Mediterranean Gull vs West African Crested Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Thalasseus albididorsalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | West African Crested Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Thalasseus albididorsalis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | — |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 380.0 g (13.40 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
West African Crested Tern only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Not Evaluated
West African Crested 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.
West African Crested Tern
West African Crested Tern, 42–45 cm, breeds on Atlantic islands from Mauritania to Angola. Pale grey back, orange bill, black crest. Piscivore; forages along the rich upwelling zone off West Africa. Recently split from Lesser Crested Tern. Coastal and offshore forager in tropical waters.