Pacific Gull vs African Skimmer

Larus pacificus compared with Rynchops flavirostris

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Pacific Gull African Skimmer
Scientific Name Larus pacificus Rynchops flavirostris
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 88.8 cm (35.0 in) 66.4 cm (26.1 in)
Weight 1232.5 g (43.48 oz) 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-3 1-5
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Pacific Gull only

None

African Skimmer only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Pacific Gull

Least Concern

African Skimmer

About These Birds

Pacific Gull

Pacific Gull, 58–66 cm, is Australia's largest gull, resident on southern and western coasts. Massive yellow and red bill capable of cracking mollusc shells by dropping them from height. White body, black mantle and wings. Omnivore; forages on rocky shores and beaches. Slow-maturing; takes 4 years for adult plumage.

African Skimmer

African Skimmer: 36–42 cm, black-and-white skimmer with a long bright orange-yellow bill where the lower mandible is longer than the upper. Flies low over large rivers and lakes, cutting the water surface with the lower bill to catch fish. Resident and partial migrant along large rivers and lakes of sub-Saharan Africa. NT.

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