Andean Gull vs Common Tern

Larus serranus compared with Sterna hirundo

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Andean Gull Common Tern
Scientific Name Larus serranus Sterna hirundo
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 70.6 cm (27.8 in) 50.7 cm (20.0 in)
Weight 478.0 g (16.86 oz) 125.75 g (4.44 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 2-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Andean Gull only

None

Common Tern only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Andean Gull

Least Concern

Common Tern

About These Birds

Andean Gull

Andean Gull, 45–48 cm, breeds at high-altitude Andean lakes from Colombia to Argentina, typically above 3000 m. Black hood in breeding plumage; white below with grey mantle. Largely insectivore, following cattle or foraging at lake edges. Partial altitudinal migrant descending to Pacific and Atlantic coasts in winter.

Common Tern

Common Tern, 31–35 cm, wingspan 77–98 cm, is among the most widespread seabirds, breeding across the Holarctic and wintering in the Southern Hemisphere. Grey back, white below, orange-red bill with dark tip, black cap. Plunge-dives for fish. One of the longest-distance migrants in the Northern Hemisphere.

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