Mediterranean Gull vs White-cheeked Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Sterna repressa
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | White-cheeked Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Sterna repressa |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 48.3 cm (19.0 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 118.75 g (4.19 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
White-cheeked Tern only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
White-cheeked 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.
White-cheeked Tern
White-cheeked Tern, 32–34 cm, breeds around the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean coasts from East Africa to Pakistan. Grey above and below in breeding plumage, white cheek patch below the black cap. Piscivore; plunge-dives in coastal waters. Some movement to winter quarters in East African coasts.