Andean Gull vs Forster's Tern
Larus serranus compared with Sterna forsteri
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Andean Gull | Forster's Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus serranus | Sterna forsteri |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 70.6 cm (27.8 in) | 50.5 cm (19.9 in) |
| Weight | 478.0 g (16.86 oz) | 151.25 g (5.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-4 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Andean Gull
Least Concern
Forster's Tern
About These Birds
Andean Gull
Andean Gull, 45–48 cm, breeds at high-altitude Andean lakes from Colombia to Argentina, typically above 3000 m. Black hood in breeding plumage; white below with grey mantle. Largely insectivore, following cattle or foraging at lake edges. Partial altitudinal migrant descending to Pacific and Atlantic coasts in winter.
Forster's Tern
Forster's Tern, 33–36 cm, breeds in interior North American marshes and winters along both US coasts and into Mexico. Distinctive frosted silver upperparts and orange-based bill. In non-breeding plumage, shows a black eye-mask. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in coastal bays and lagoons.