Aleutian Tern vs Black Skimmer
Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Rynchops niger
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Aleutian Tern | Black Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onychoprion aleuticus | Rynchops niger |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 52.4 cm (20.6 in) | 73.1 cm (28.8 in) |
| Weight | 104.88 g (3.70 oz) | 293.6666666666667 g (10.36 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-4 | 1-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Aleutian Tern
Least Concern
Black Skimmer
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.
Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer: 40–50 cm, the largest skimmer with jet black upperparts, white underparts, and an outsized red-and-black bill with protruding lower mandible. Inhabits large rivers, estuaries, and coastal lagoons of North and South America. Feeds at dawn and dusk by skimming water surface. Nests colonially on sandy beaches. Partly migratory.