Caspian Tern vs Heermann's Gull
Hydroprogne caspia compared with Larus heermanni
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Caspian Tern | Heermann's Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydroprogne caspia | Larus heermanni |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 82.1 cm (32.3 in) | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) |
| Weight | 656.0 g (23.14 oz) | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Caspian Tern
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
About These Birds
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern is the world's largest tern, 48–56 cm, wingspan 127–140 cm, with a massive blood-red bill. Found on all continents except Antarctica. Plunge-dives powerfully for large fish in coastal and freshwater habitats. Migratory; northern populations winter in the tropics. Loud, rasping call.
Heermann's Gull
Heermann's Gull, 46–51 cm, is distinctive — dark grey body, white head (breeding), red bill. Breeds almost entirely on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, then disperses north along the Pacific coast to British Columbia. Kleptoparasite; steals fish from Brown Pelicans. Near Threatened; range highly restricted.