Andean Gull vs South American Tern
Larus serranus compared with Sterna hirundinacea
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Andean Gull | South American Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus serranus | Sterna hirundinacea |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 70.6 cm (27.8 in) | 59.3 cm (23.3 in) |
| Weight | 478.0 g (16.86 oz) | 190.25 g (6.71 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-4 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Andean Gull
Least Concern
South American 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.
South American Tern
South American Tern, 40–44 cm, is the largest South American tern, breeding from Peru around Cape Horn to southeastern Brazil. Red bill, grey mantle, black cap. Pelagic and coastal piscivore; strong plunge-diver. Movements poorly known; some populations may migrate north along both coasts.