Inca Tern vs Heermann's Gull
Larosterna inca compared with Larus heermanni
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Inca Tern | Heermann's Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larosterna inca | Larus heermanni |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 55.4 cm (21.8 in) | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.04 oz) | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Inca Tern
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
About These Birds
Inca Tern
Inca Tern, 39–42 cm, is unmistakable — dark slate grey with white facial plumes curling from the bill like a Victorian moustache. Restricted to the Humboldt Current from Peru to Chile. Piscivore; snatches anchovies and other prey at the surface. Near Threatened; population tied to anchovy availability.
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.