Mediterranean Gull vs Black-bellied Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Sterna acuticauda
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Black-bellied Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Sterna acuticauda |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 44.8 cm (17.6 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 159.5 g (5.63 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
Black-bellied Tern only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Endangered
Black-bellied 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.
Black-bellied Tern
Black-bellied Tern, 32–34 cm, is an Endangered freshwater tern of the Indian subcontinent, breeding on large river sandbars from Pakistan to Myanmar. Black belly contrasts with grey upperparts in breeding plumage; orange bill. Plunge-dives for small fish. Severely threatened by river modification.