Lava Gull vs Aleutian Tern

Larus fuliginosus compared with Onychoprion aleuticus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Lava Gull Aleutian Tern
Scientific Name Larus fuliginosus Onychoprion aleuticus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Vulnerable
Length — —
Wingspan 68.2 cm (26.9 in) 52.4 cm (20.6 in)
Weight 380.0 g (13.40 oz) 104.88 g (3.70 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-2 1-4
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Lava Gull only

None

Aleutian Tern only

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Lava Gull

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

About These Birds

Lava Gull

Lava Gull, 52–55 cm, is the world's rarest gull — only ~800–1,000 individuals exist, all on the Galápagos Islands. Sooty grey overall, white eyelids, red bill and feet. Scavenges at fishing ports and seal colonies; omnivore. Restricted range makes it highly vulnerable to any environmental change.

Aleutian Tern

Aleutian Tern, 32–34 cm, breeds colonially in Alaska and Russian Far East, wintering in Southeast Asian waters — one of the most poorly tracked migrations among seabirds. Dark grey above, white below, black cap with white forehead. Piscivore; dives for small fish. Near Threatened.

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