Heermann's Gull vs Black Skimmer
Larus heermanni compared with Rynchops niger
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Black Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Rynchops niger |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 73.1 cm (28.8 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 293.6666666666667 g (10.36 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Black Skimmer
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.
Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer: 40–50 cm, the largest skimmer with jet black upperparts, white underparts, and an outsized red-and-black bill with protruding lower mandible. Inhabits large rivers, estuaries, and coastal lagoons of North and South America. Feeds at dawn and dusk by skimming water surface. Nests colonially on sandy beaches. Partly migratory.