Mediterranean Gull vs Antarctic Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Sterna vittata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Antarctic Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Sterna vittata |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 52.0 cm (20.5 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 151.0 g (5.33 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Antarctic 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.
Antarctic Tern
Antarctic Tern, 31–38 cm, breeds on sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula, dispersing across the Southern Ocean in austral winter. Grey above, white below, with red bill and feet. Unlike Arctic Tern, does not undertake pole-to-pole migration; remains in high southern latitudes year-round.