Atlantic White Tern vs Grey-backed Tern
Gygis alba compared with Onychoprion lunatus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Atlantic White Tern | Grey-backed Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gygis alba | Onychoprion lunatus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | 52.2 cm (20.6 in) |
| Weight | 138.0 g (4.87 oz) | 126.21666666666665 g (4.45 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Atlantic White Tern
Least Concern
Grey-backed Tern
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.
Grey-backed Tern
Grey-backed Tern, 35–37 cm, is a Pacific seabird breeding on islands from Hawaii to Micronesia and Polynesia. Pale grey back distinguishes it from the similar Bridled Tern; white below with black cap. Piscivore; surface-dips and shallow plunge-dives. Largely pelagic when not breeding.