Mediterranean Gull vs Saunders's Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Sternula saundersi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Saunders's Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Sternula saundersi |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 33.6 cm (13.2 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 41.825 g (1.48 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Saunders's 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.
Saunders's Tern
Saunders's Tern, 22–24 cm, is a small coastal tern of the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean coasts. Very similar to Little Tern; separated by darker outer primaries and slightly smaller size. Piscivore; hovers and dives in shallow coastal waters and tidal mudflats.