African Skimmer vs Damara Tern
Rynchops flavirostris compared with Sternula balaenarum
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Skimmer | Damara Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rynchops flavirostris | Sternula balaenarum |
| 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) | 50.675 g (1.79 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Skimmer
Least Concern
Damara 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.
Damara Tern
Damara Tern, 22–24 cm, is a Vulnerable tern endemic to the Namibian and South African coast. White below, grey above, with a black cap and yellow bill. Breeds sparsely on Namibian beaches; winters north to Gulf of Guinea. Highly sensitive to coastal development and off-road vehicles.