Aleutian Tern vs Black-naped Tern

Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Sterna sumatrana

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Aleutian Tern Black-naped Tern
Scientific Name Onychoprion aleuticus Sterna sumatrana
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 52.4 cm (20.6 in) 43.1 cm (17.0 in)
Weight 104.88 g (3.70 oz) 103.75 g (3.66 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 1-3
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Aleutian Tern only

Black-naped Tern only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

Least Concern

Black-naped Tern

About These Birds

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.

Black-naped Tern

Black-naped Tern, 30–32 cm, breeds on tropical Indo-Pacific coral islands from the Maldives to Polynesia. White overall with a narrow black nape band connecting the black lores — a delicate, elegant pattern. Piscivore; surface-dips and shallow dives in clear tropical waters over reefs.

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