African Skimmer vs Kerguelen Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Sterna virgata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | Kerguelen Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Sterna virgata |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) | 50.0 cm (19.7 in) |
| Weight | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) | 127.5 g (4.50 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Near Threatened
Kerguelen 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.
Kerguelen Tern
Kerguelen Tern, 31–33 cm, is restricted to a handful of sub-Antarctic islands including Kerguelen and Crozet. Darker grey than Antarctic Tern, with reddish bill. Piscivore and invertivore; forages in kelp beds and coastal waters. Near Threatened; small, isolated population vulnerable to introduced predators.