Heermann's Gull vs White-fronted Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sterna striata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | White-fronted Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sterna striata |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 54.8 cm (21.6 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 131.5 g (4.64 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Near Threatened
White-fronted 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.
White-fronted Tern
White-fronted Tern, 35–43 cm, is New Zealand's most common tern, breeding on coastal and riverine sites throughout the islands. White forehead contrasts with black cap; orange-red bill. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in coastal waters and off river mouths. Winters on Australian coasts.