Atlantic White Tern vs Heermann's Gull
Gygis alba compared with Larus heermanni
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Atlantic White Tern | Heermann's Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gygis alba | Larus heermanni |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) |
| Weight | 138.0 g (4.87 oz) | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Atlantic White Tern
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
About These Birds
Atlantic White Tern
Atlantic White Tern: 28–33 cm, wingspan 76–87 cm, ethereally white seabird with blue-grey bill, blue orbital ring, and large dark eyes. Breeds on tropical Atlantic islands including Ascension and Saint Helena; related species widespread across the Indo-Pacific. Nests on bare branches with no nest material. Feeds on small fish near the surface.
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.