Atlantic White Tern vs Mediterranean Gull
Gygis alba compared with Larus melanocephalus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Atlantic White Tern | Mediterranean Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gygis alba | Larus melanocephalus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) |
| Weight | 138.0 g (4.87 oz) | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Atlantic White Tern only
None
Mediterranean Gull only
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Atlantic White Tern
Least Concern
Mediterranean 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.
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.