Mediterranean Gull vs Elegant Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Thalasseus elegans
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Elegant Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Thalasseus elegans |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 59.3 cm (23.3 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 236.16666666666666 g (8.33 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Near Threatened
Elegant 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.
Elegant Tern
Elegant Tern, 39–43 cm, breeds in a few large colonies on islands off Baja California and winters along Pacific coasts of South America. Long, drooping orange bill, shaggy black crest. Piscivore; dependent on Northern Anchovy and Pacific Sardine. Near Threatened; highly colonial breeder.