Black-tailed Gull vs Forster's Tern
Larus crassirostris compared with Sterna forsteri
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black-tailed Gull | Forster's Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus crassirostris | Sterna forsteri |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 72.8 cm (28.7 in) | 50.5 cm (19.9 in) |
| Weight | 675.0 g (23.81 oz) | 151.25 g (5.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Black-tailed Gull
Least Concern
Forster's Tern
About These Birds
Black-tailed Gull
Black-tailed Gull, 44–48 cm, is common on East Asian coasts from Russia to China, Japan, and Korea. Grey mantle, white body, yellow bill with red spot and black subterminal band, yellow legs. Omnivore; very vocal, known as the 'cat gull' for its mewing calls. Migratory; winters south to Vietnam.
Forster's Tern
Forster's Tern, 33–36 cm, breeds in interior North American marshes and winters along both US coasts and into Mexico. Distinctive frosted silver upperparts and orange-based bill. In non-breeding plumage, shows a black eye-mask. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in coastal bays and lagoons.