African Skimmer vs White-fronted Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Sterna striata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | White-fronted Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Sterna striata |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) | 54.8 cm (21.6 in) |
| Weight | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) | 131.5 g (4.64 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Near Threatened
White-fronted 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.
White-fronted Tern
White-fronted Tern, 35–43 cm, is New Zealand's most common tern, breeding on coastal and riverine sites throughout the islands. White forehead contrasts with black cap; orange-red bill. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in coastal waters and off river mouths. Winters on Australian coasts.