Aleutian Tern vs Least Tern

Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Sternula antillarum

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Aleutian Tern Least Tern
Scientific Name Onychoprion aleuticus Sternula antillarum
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 52.4 cm (20.6 in) 33.0 cm (13.0 in)
Weight 104.88 g (3.70 oz) 46.75 g (1.65 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 1-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Aleutian Tern only

Least Tern only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

Least Concern

Least 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.

Least Tern

Least Tern is North America's smallest tern, 22–24 cm, breeding on sandy beaches and river sandbars from the Atlantic coast to the interior. Endangered (interior subspecies). Yellow bill, white forehead, grey upperparts. Hovers and plunge-dives for small fish in coastal and riverine habitats.

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