Aleutian Tern vs South American Tern

Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Sterna hirundinacea

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Aleutian Tern South American Tern
Scientific Name Onychoprion aleuticus Sterna hirundinacea
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 52.4 cm (20.6 in) 59.3 cm (23.3 in)
Weight 104.88 g (3.70 oz) 190.25 g (6.71 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 1-3
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Aleutian Tern only

South American Tern only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

Least Concern

South American 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.

South American Tern

South American Tern, 40–44 cm, is the largest South American tern, breeding from Peru around Cape Horn to southeastern Brazil. Red bill, grey mantle, black cap. Pelagic and coastal piscivore; strong plunge-diver. Movements poorly known; some populations may migrate north along both coasts.

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