Heermann's Gull vs River Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sterna aurantia
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | River Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sterna aurantia |
| 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) | 187.5 g (6.61 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 3-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Vulnerable
River 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.
River Tern
River Tern, 38–43 cm, is a large freshwater tern of South and Southeast Asia, found along major rivers from Pakistan to Thailand. Yellow-orange bill, grey back, black cap in breeding plumage. Piscivore; plunge-dives into clear river water. Near Threatened due to river sand-mining and disturbance.