Western Gull vs Aleutian Tern

Larus occidentalis compared with Onychoprion aleuticus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Western Gull Aleutian Tern
Scientific Name Larus occidentalis Onychoprion aleuticus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Vulnerable
Length
Wingspan 79.5 cm (31.3 in) 52.4 cm (20.6 in)
Weight 957.5 g (33.77 oz) 104.88 g (3.70 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-5 1-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Western Gull only

None

Aleutian Tern only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Western Gull

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

About These Birds

Western Gull

Western Gull, 55–68 cm, is the dominant large gull on the US Pacific coast from Washington to Baja California. Dark-mantled with pink legs, yellow bill with red spot. Omnivore; breeds on offshore islands, scavenges at harbours and landfills. Non-migratory; resident along its breeding coast.

Aleutian Tern

Aleutian Tern, 32–34 cm, breeds colonially in Alaska and Russian Far East, wintering in Southeast Asian waters — one of the most poorly tracked migrations among seabirds. Dark grey above, white below, black cap with white forehead. Piscivore; dives for small fish. Near Threatened.

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