Mediterranean Gull vs Grey-backed Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Onychoprion lunatus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Grey-backed Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Onychoprion lunatus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 52.2 cm (20.6 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 126.21666666666665 g (4.45 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Grey-backed 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.
Grey-backed Tern
Grey-backed Tern, 35–37 cm, is a Pacific seabird breeding on islands from Hawaii to Micronesia and Polynesia. Pale grey back distinguishes it from the similar Bridled Tern; white below with black cap. Piscivore; surface-dips and shallow plunge-dives. Largely pelagic when not breeding.