African Skimmer vs Least Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Sternula antillarum
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | Least Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Sternula antillarum |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 66.4 cm (26.1 in) | 33.0 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz) | 46.75 g (1.65 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Least Concern
Least 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.
Least Tern
Least Tern is North America's smallest tern, 22–24 cm, breeding on sandy beaches and river sandbars from the Atlantic coast to the interior. Endangered (interior subspecies). Yellow bill, white forehead, grey upperparts. Hovers and plunge-dives for small fish in coastal and riverine habitats.