Aleutian Tern vs Little Tern

Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Sternula albifrons

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Aleutian Tern Little Tern
Scientific Name Onychoprion aleuticus Sternula albifrons
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 52.4 cm (20.6 in) 33.9 cm (13.3 in)
Weight 104.88 g (3.70 oz) 55.0 g (1.94 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 1-4
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Aleutian Tern only

None

Little Tern only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aleutian Tern

Least Concern

Little 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.

Little Tern

Little Tern is one of the world's smallest terns, 21–25 cm, breeding along coastlines and rivers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. White below, grey above, with a yellow bill tipped black and a white forehead patch. Hovers and plunge-dives for small fish. Migratory; winters in tropical coasts.

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