Heermann's Gull vs Least Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sternula antillarum
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Least Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sternula antillarum |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 33.0 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 46.75 g (1.65 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Least 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.
Least Tern
Least Tern is North America's smallest tern, 22–24 cm, breeding on sandy beaches and river sandbars from the Atlantic coast to the interior. Endangered (interior subspecies). Yellow bill, white forehead, grey upperparts. Hovers and plunge-dives for small fish in coastal and riverine habitats.