African Skimmer vs Little Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Sternula albifrons
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | Little Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Sternula albifrons |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) | 33.9 cm (13.3 in) |
| Weight | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) | 55.0 g (1.94 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Least Concern
Little 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.
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.