Heermann's Gull vs Damara Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Sternula balaenarum
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Damara Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Sternula balaenarum |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 33.9 cm (13.3 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 50.675 g (1.79 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Damara 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.
Damara Tern
Damara Tern, 22–24 cm, is a Vulnerable tern endemic to the Namibian and South African coast. White below, grey above, with a black cap and yellow bill. Breeds sparsely on Namibian beaches; winters north to Gulf of Guinea. Highly sensitive to coastal development and off-road vehicles.