Aleutian Tern vs Roseate Tern

Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Sterna dougallii

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Aleutian Tern Roseate Tern
Scientific Name Onychoprion aleuticus Sterna dougallii
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 52.4 cm (20.6 in) 44.8 cm (17.6 in)
Weight 104.88 g (3.70 oz) 114.33333333333333 g (4.03 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 1-2
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Aleutian Tern only

Roseate Tern only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

Least Concern

Roseate 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.

Roseate Tern

Roseate Tern, 33–36 cm, is a globally distributed but declining species, breeding on both sides of the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Nearly white with a rosy flush to breast in spring, very long tail streamers, and mostly black bill. Plunge-dives for small fish. Endangered in parts of range.

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