Mediterranean Gull vs Aleutian Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Onychoprion aleuticus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Aleutian Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Onychoprion aleuticus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 52.4 cm (20.6 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 104.88 g (3.70 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
None
Aleutian Tern only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Vulnerable
Aleutian Tern
About These Birds
Mediterranean Gull
Mediterranean Gull, 36–38 cm, has expanded dramatically since the 1970s, breeding across Europe from the Black Sea to Britain. Pure white body, jet-black hood in breeding plumage — the only gull with entirely white wingtips. Piscivore and invertivore; nests in colonies, often with Black-headed Gulls.
Aleutian Tern
Aleutian Tern, 32–34 cm, breeds colonially in Alaska and Russian Far East, wintering in Southeast Asian waters — one of the most poorly tracked migrations among seabirds. Dark grey above, white below, black cap with white forehead. Piscivore; dives for small fish. Near Threatened.