Inca Tern vs Mediterranean Gull
Larosterna inca compared with Larus melanocephalus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Inca Tern | Mediterranean Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larosterna inca | Larus melanocephalus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 55.4 cm (21.8 in) | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.04 oz) | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Inca Tern
Least Concern
Mediterranean 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.
Mediterranean Gull
Mediterranean Gull, 36–38 cm, has expanded dramatically since the 1970s, breeding across Europe from the Black Sea to Britain. Pure white body, jet-black hood in breeding plumage — the only gull with entirely white wingtips. Piscivore and invertivore; nests in colonies, often with Black-headed Gulls.