African Skimmer vs South American Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Sterna hirundinacea
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | South American Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Sterna hirundinacea |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) | 59.3 cm (23.3 in) |
| Weight | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) | 190.25 g (6.71 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Least Concern
South American 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.
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.