Heermann's Gull vs Black-naped Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sterna sumatrana
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Black-naped Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sterna sumatrana |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 43.1 cm (17.0 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 103.75 g (3.66 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Black-naped 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.
Black-naped Tern
Black-naped Tern, 30–32 cm, breeds on tropical Indo-Pacific coral islands from the Maldives to Polynesia. White overall with a narrow black nape band connecting the black lores — a delicate, elegant pattern. Piscivore; surface-dips and shallow dives in clear tropical waters over reefs.