Heermann's Gull vs Antarctic Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sterna vittata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Antarctic Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sterna vittata |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 52.0 cm (20.5 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 151.0 g (5.33 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Antarctic 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.
Antarctic Tern
Antarctic Tern, 31–38 cm, breeds on sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula, dispersing across the Southern Ocean in austral winter. Grey above, white below, with red bill and feet. Unlike Arctic Tern, does not undertake pole-to-pole migration; remains in high southern latitudes year-round.