Mediterranean Gull vs South American Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Sterna hirundinacea
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | South American Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Sterna hirundinacea |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 59.3 cm (23.3 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 190.25 g (6.71 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
South American Tern only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
South American 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.
South American Tern
South American Tern, 40–44 cm, is the largest South American tern, breeding from Peru around Cape Horn to southeastern Brazil. Red bill, grey mantle, black cap. Pelagic and coastal piscivore; strong plunge-diver. Movements poorly known; some populations may migrate north along both coasts.