Mediterranean Gull vs Fairy Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Sternula nereis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Fairy Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Sternula nereis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 35.6 cm (14.0 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 68.5 g (2.42 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Vulnerable
Fairy 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.
Fairy Tern
Fairy Tern, 22–25 cm, breeds in southern Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia on sandy beaches. White and pale grey with an orange-yellow bill; delicate and buoyant in flight. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in shallow coastal and estuarine waters. Vulnerable due to beach disturbance.