Aleutian Tern vs Fairy Tern
Onychoprion aleuticus compared with Sternula nereis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Aleutian Tern | Fairy Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onychoprion aleuticus | Sternula nereis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 52.4 cm (20.6 in) | 35.6 cm (14.0 in) |
| Weight | 104.88 g (3.70 oz) | 68.5 g (2.42 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-4 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Aleutian Tern
Vulnerable
Fairy 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.
Fairy Tern
Fairy Tern, 22–25 cm, breeds in southern Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia on sandy beaches. White and pale grey with an orange-yellow bill; delicate and buoyant in flight. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in shallow coastal and estuarine waters. Vulnerable due to beach disturbance.