Atlantic White Tern vs Damara Tern
Gygis alba compared with Sternula balaenarum
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Atlantic White Tern | Damara Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gygis alba | Sternula balaenarum |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | 33.9 cm (13.3 in) |
| Weight | 138.0 g (4.87 oz) | 50.675 g (1.79 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Atlantic White Tern
Least Concern
Damara 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.
Damara Tern
Damara Tern, 22–24 cm, is a Vulnerable tern endemic to the Namibian and South African coast. White below, grey above, with a black cap and yellow bill. Breeds sparsely on Namibian beaches; winters north to Gulf of Guinea. Highly sensitive to coastal development and off-road vehicles.