Mediterranean Gull vs Royal Tern
Larus melanocephalus compared with Thalasseus maximus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Royal Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Thalasseus maximus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 72.7 cm (28.6 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 402.3333333333333 g (14.19 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Royal 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.
Royal Tern
Royal Tern, 45–50 cm, is a large, powerful tern of American and West African coasts. Orange bill, shaggy black crest (full only briefly in spring), pale grey mantle. Piscivore; plunge-dives from 10 m for mullet and menhaden. Nests in dense colonies; often seen loafing on beaches year-round.