African Skimmer vs River Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Sterna aurantia
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | River Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Sterna aurantia |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) | 52.4 cm (20.6 in) |
| Weight | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) | 187.5 g (6.61 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 3-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Vulnerable
River Tern
About These Birds
African Skimmer
African Skimmer: 36–42 cm, black-and-white skimmer with a long bright orange-yellow bill where the lower mandible is longer than the upper. Flies low over large rivers and lakes, cutting the water surface with the lower bill to catch fish. Resident and partial migrant along large rivers and lakes of sub-Saharan Africa. NT.
River Tern
River Tern, 38–43 cm, is a large freshwater tern of South and Southeast Asia, found along major rivers from Pakistan to Thailand. Yellow-orange bill, grey back, black cap in breeding plumage. Piscivore; plunge-dives into clear river water. Near Threatened due to river sand-mining and disturbance.