Terns and seagulls are indeed related. They both belong to the larger group of sea birds, but they are classified into different families. Gulls are part of the family Laridae, while terns are part of the family Sternidae. Despite being in separate families, they share a common ancestry and have some similarities in appearance and behavior.
Gulls and terns are both members of the order Charadriiformes, which also includes other sea birds like auks, skimmers, and waders. These birds have adapted to life near the water and have various characteristics that enable them to survive in marine environments.
One noticeable difference between gulls and terns is their size. Gulls are generally larger than terns, with some gull species reaching lengths of up to 30 inches or more, while terns are typically smaller, ranging from 9 to 20 inches in length. The size difference is often attributed to the different ecological niches these birds occupy. Gulls tend to be more opportunistic feeders and can scavenge for food on land as well, while terns are more specialized in catching fish in flight.
In terms of appearance, gulls and terns have some similarities but also distinct features. Both have streamlined bodies, long wings, and webbed feet, which are adaptations for flying and swimming. They also have sharp beaks for capturing and eating their prey. However, gulls have a sturdier build and broader wings, while terns have more slender bodies and longer, pointed wings, which aid them in their aerial hunting.
Behaviorally, gulls and terns also differ to some extent. Gulls are known to be opportunistic feeders and can scavenge for food in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, garbage dumps, and even urban environments. Terns, on the other hand, are more specialized fish-eaters and are often found near bodies of water where they can dive from the air to catch their prey. They are known for their graceful and agile flight, hovering briefly before plunging into the water to snatch fish.
Having spent considerable time observing these birds in their natural habitats, I have noticed some interesting interactions between gulls and terns. While gulls are generally larger and more dominant, they often have to compete with terns for food resources. Terns are known for their agility and speed in flight, which allows them to outmaneuver gulls and snatch fish from their beaks. This competition for food can sometimes lead to aggressive encounters between the two species.
Terns and seagulls are related as they both belong to the broader group of sea birds. Although they are classified into different families, gulls being part of Laridae and terns being part of Sternidae, they share a common ancestry and have similar adaptations for life near the water. However, they also have distinct differences in size, appearance, and behavior, which reflect their different ecological niches and feeding strategies.