Heermann's Gull vs Kerguelen Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sterna virgata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Kerguelen Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sterna virgata |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 50.0 cm (19.7 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 127.5 g (4.50 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Near Threatened
Kerguelen 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.
Kerguelen Tern
Kerguelen Tern, 31–33 cm, is restricted to a handful of sub-Antarctic islands including Kerguelen and Crozet. Darker grey than Antarctic Tern, with reddish bill. Piscivore and invertivore; forages in kelp beds and coastal waters. Near Threatened; small, isolated population vulnerable to introduced predators.