Atlantic White Tern vs West African Crested Tern
Gygis alba compared with Thalasseus albididorsalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Atlantic White Tern | West African Crested Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gygis alba | Thalasseus albididorsalis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | — |
| Weight | 138.0 g (4.87 oz) | 380.0 g (13.40 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Atlantic White Tern
Not Evaluated
West African Crested 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.
West African Crested Tern
West African Crested Tern, 42–45 cm, breeds on Atlantic islands from Mauritania to Angola. Pale grey back, orange bill, black crest. Piscivore; forages along the rich upwelling zone off West Africa. Recently split from Lesser Crested Tern. Coastal and offshore forager in tropical waters.