African Skimmer vs West African Crested Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Thalasseus albididorsalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | West African Crested Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Thalasseus albididorsalis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) | — |
| Weight | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) | 380.0 g (13.40 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Not Evaluated
West African Crested 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.
West African Crested Tern
West African Crested Tern, 42–45 cm, breeds on Atlantic islands from Mauritania to Angola. Pale grey back, orange bill, black crest. Piscivore; forages along the rich upwelling zone off West Africa. Recently split from Lesser Crested Tern. Coastal and offshore forager in tropical waters.