Atlantic White Tern vs Indian Skimmer
Gygis alba compared with Rynchops albicollis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Atlantic White Tern | Indian Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gygis alba | Rynchops albicollis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | 74.4 cm (29.3 in) |
| Weight | 138.0 g (4.87 oz) | 164.0 g (5.78 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 2-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Atlantic White Tern
Endangered
Indian Skimmer
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.
Indian Skimmer
Indian Skimmer: 38–43 cm, black-and-white skimmer with an orange-and-yellow bill and white collar. Resident on large sandy rivers of the Indian subcontinent. VU. Feeds by skimming river surface with protruding lower mandible to catch fish. Severely threatened by sand-mining, dam building, and human disturbance at nesting colonies.