Australian Gull-billed Tern vs Mediterranean Gull

Gelochelidon macrotarsa compared with Larus melanocephalus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Australian Gull-billed Tern Mediterranean Gull
Scientific Name Gelochelidon macrotarsa Larus melanocephalus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 61.1 cm (24.1 in) 60.5 cm (23.8 in)
Weight 246.66666666666666 g (8.70 oz) 282.5 g (9.96 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-3 1-5
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Australian Gull-billed Tern only

None

Mediterranean Gull only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Australian Gull-billed Tern

Least Concern

Mediterranean 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.

Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull, 36–38 cm, has expanded dramatically since the 1970s, breeding across Europe from the Black Sea to Britain. Pure white body, jet-black hood in breeding plumage — the only gull with entirely white wingtips. Piscivore and invertivore; nests in colonies, often with Black-headed Gulls.

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