Aleutian Tern vs Lesser Crested Tern

Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Thalasseus bengalensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Aleutian Tern Lesser Crested Tern
Scientific Name Onychoprion aleuticus Thalasseus bengalensis
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 52.4 cm (20.6 in) 58.6 cm (23.1 in)
Weight 104.88 g (3.70 oz) 212.25 g (7.49 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 1-2
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Aleutian Tern only

Lesser Crested Tern only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

Least Concern

Lesser Crested 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.

Lesser Crested Tern

Lesser Crested Tern, 35–37 cm, breeds colonially on islands across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from Red Sea to Australia. Orange bill, black crest, grey mantle. Coastal piscivore; plunge-dives in tropical waters. Gregarious; often nests with Greater Crested Terns.

More Birds to Explore