Heermann's Gull vs Roseate Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sterna dougallii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Roseate Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sterna dougallii |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 44.8 cm (17.6 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 114.33333333333333 g (4.03 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Roseate 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.
Roseate Tern
Roseate Tern, 33–36 cm, is a globally distributed but declining species, breeding on both sides of the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Nearly white with a rosy flush to breast in spring, very long tail streamers, and mostly black bill. Plunge-dives for small fish. Endangered in parts of range.