Heermann's Gull vs West African Crested Tern
Larus heermanni compared with Thalasseus albididorsalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | West African Crested Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Thalasseus albididorsalis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | — |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 380.0 g (13.40 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Not Evaluated
West African Crested 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.
West African Crested Tern
West African Crested Tern, 42–45 cm, breeds on Atlantic islands from Mauritania to Angola. Pale grey back, orange bill, black crest. Piscivore; forages along the rich upwelling zone off West Africa. Recently split from Lesser Crested Tern. Coastal and offshore forager in tropical waters.