Mediterranean Gull vs Black-naped Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Sterna sumatrana
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Black-naped Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Sterna sumatrana |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 43.1 cm (17.0 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 103.75 g (3.66 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Black-naped 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-naped Tern
Black-naped Tern, 30–32 cm, breeds on tropical Indo-Pacific coral islands from the Maldives to Polynesia. White overall with a narrow black nape band connecting the black lores — a delicate, elegant pattern. Piscivore; surface-dips and shallow dives in clear tropical waters over reefs.