Caspian Tern vs African Skimmer
Hydroprogne caspia compared with Rynchops flavirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Caspian Tern | African Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydroprogne caspia | Rynchops flavirostris |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 82.1 cm (32.3 in) | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) |
| Weight | 656.0 g (23.14 oz) | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Caspian Tern
Least Concern
African Skimmer
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.
African Skimmer
African Skimmer: 36–42 cm, black-and-white skimmer with a long bright orange-yellow bill where the lower mandible is longer than the upper. Flies low over large rivers and lakes, cutting the water surface with the lower bill to catch fish. Resident and partial migrant along large rivers and lakes of sub-Saharan Africa. NT.