Mediterranean Gull vs Greater Crested Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Thalasseus bergii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Greater Crested Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Thalasseus bergii |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 71.6 cm (28.2 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 367.75 g (12.97 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
Greater Crested Tern only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Greater 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.
Greater Crested Tern
Greater Crested Tern, 43–48 cm, is the largest crested tern of the Indo-Pacific, breeding from South Africa to Japan and Australia. Yellow-green bill, prominent black crest, grey back. Colonial breeder on sand islands; plunge-dives for fish. Partially migratory; disperses across Indian and Pacific Oceans.