Aleutian Tern vs Antarctic Tern

Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Sterna vittata

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Aleutian Tern Antarctic Tern
Scientific Name Onychoprion aleuticus Sterna vittata
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 52.4 cm (20.6 in) 52.0 cm (20.5 in)
Weight 104.88 g (3.70 oz) 151.0 g (5.33 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 1-2
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Aleutian Tern only

Antarctic Tern only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

Least Concern

Antarctic 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.

Antarctic Tern

Antarctic Tern, 31–38 cm, breeds on sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula, dispersing across the Southern Ocean in austral winter. Grey above, white below, with red bill and feet. Unlike Arctic Tern, does not undertake pole-to-pole migration; remains in high southern latitudes year-round.

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