Atlantic White Tern vs River Tern
Gygis alba compared with Sterna aurantia
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Atlantic White Tern | River Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gygis alba | Sterna aurantia |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | 52.4 cm (20.6 in) |
| Weight | 138.0 g (4.87 oz) | 187.5 g (6.61 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 3-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Atlantic White Tern
Vulnerable
River 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.
River Tern
River Tern, 38–43 cm, is a large freshwater tern of South and Southeast Asia, found along major rivers from Pakistan to Thailand. Yellow-orange bill, grey back, black cap in breeding plumage. Piscivore; plunge-dives into clear river water. Near Threatened due to river sand-mining and disturbance.