CreatureData

Little tern vs Peruvian tern

The little tern is heavier: 57 g against 53.8 g for the peruvian tern, about 6% more.

Little tern (Sternula albifrons)
Little tern LCLeast Concern
Photo: PetroKaterynych · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Peruvian tern (Sternula lorata)
Peruvian tern ENEndangered
Photo: David F. Belmonte · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a little tern and a peruvian tern?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The little tern is heavier: 57 g against 53.8 g for the peruvian tern, about 6% more.
  • Both belong to the genus Sternula, so they are close relatives.
  • The little tern is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List; the peruvian tern is Endangered.

Side by side

Little ternPeruvian tern
Scientific nameSternula albifronsSternula lorata
FamilyLaridaeLaridae
OrderCharadriiformesCharadriiformes
Weight55 g – 60 g53.8 g
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan23.9 yearsNot recorded
Main foodNot recordedNot recorded
Habitatcoastalcoastal
Conservation statusLeast ConcernEndangered
Countries recorded1Not recorded

A scale drawing needs a recorded length for both animals; only weights are on record for this pair.

Full record: Little ternFull record: Peruvian ternCompare other animals