Australian Gull-billed Tern vs Heermann's Gull
Gelochelidon macrotarsa compared with Larus heermanni
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Australian Gull-billed Tern | Heermann's Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gelochelidon macrotarsa | Larus heermanni |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 61.1 cm (24.1 in) | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) |
| Weight | 246.66666666666666 g (8.70 oz) | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Australian Gull-billed Tern
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
About These Birds
Australian Gull-billed Tern
Australian Gull-billed Tern, 38–42 cm, is a large, heavy-billed tern endemic to Australia, breeding in arid inland wetlands. Pale grey above, white below, with a robust black bill. Takes insects, small reptiles, and crabs rather than diving for fish. Nomadic in response to inland rainfall.
Heermann's Gull
Heermann's Gull, 46–51 cm, is distinctive — dark grey body, white head (breeding), red bill. Breeds almost entirely on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, then disperses north along the Pacific coast to British Columbia. Kleptoparasite; steals fish from Brown Pelicans. Near Threatened; range highly restricted.