Heermann's Gull vs Aleutian Tern

Larus heermanni compared with Onychoprion aleuticus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Heermann's Gull Aleutian Tern
Scientific Name Larus heermanni Onychoprion aleuticus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Near Threatened Vulnerable
Length
Wingspan 67.2 cm (26.5 in) 52.4 cm (20.6 in)
Weight 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) 104.88 g (3.70 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-2 1-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Heermann's Gull only

None

Aleutian Tern only

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Heermann's Gull

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

About These Birds

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.

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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