Heermann's Gull vs Common Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sterna hirundo
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Common Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sterna hirundo |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 50.7 cm (20.0 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 125.75 g (4.44 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Common 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.
Common Tern
Common Tern, 31–35 cm, wingspan 77–98 cm, is among the most widespread seabirds, breeding across the Holarctic and wintering in the Southern Hemisphere. Grey back, white below, orange-red bill with dark tip, black cap. Plunge-dives for fish. One of the longest-distance migrants in the Northern Hemisphere.