Mediterranean Gull vs Large-billed Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Phaetusa simplex
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Large-billed Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Phaetusa simplex |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 58.3 cm (23.0 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 241.5 g (8.52 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
Large-billed Tern only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Large-billed 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.
Large-billed Tern
Large-billed Tern, 36–38 cm, is a distinctive South American freshwater tern of major river systems including the Amazon, Paraná, and Orinoco. Bold black and white plumage with a massive yellow bill and yellow feet. Piscivore; plunge-dives from height into rivers. Resident in tropical lowlands.