Gull-billed Tern vs Bewick's Wren

In short

The Gull-billed Tern and Bewick's Wren are vastly different in appearance and habitat. The tern is a medium-sized, stocky seabird with a short, heavy black bill, while the wren is a small, slender songbird with a long tail and distinctive white eyebrow stripe. Their habitats and behaviors also differ significantly, with the tern frequenting coastal areas and the wren residing in woodlands and thickets.

Identification tips

• Bill Shape: Gull-billed Tern has a short, heavy black bill, while Bewick's Wren has a slender, slightly curved bill.
• Tail: Gull-billed Tern has a short, slightly forked tail, whereas Bewick's Wren has a long tail often held upright.
• Habitat: Look for Gull-billed Tern in coastal areas and Bewick's Wren in woodlands or thickets.
• Plumage: Note the black cap of the tern in breeding season and the wren's white eyebrow stripe.

Size

Gull-billed Tern is medium-sized (33–38 cm long) compared to the much smaller Bewick's Wren.

Plumage

Gull-billed Tern is mostly white with pale gray upperparts and a black cap in breeding adults, while Bewick's Wren has brown upperparts, a white underside, and a prominent white supercilium.

Behaviour

Gull-billed Tern is often seen flying over water or coastal areas, whereas Bewick's Wren forages in low vegetation and is more terrestrial.

Habitat

Gull-billed Tern is found in coastal and wetland areas, while Bewick's Wren inhabits open woodlands and thickets.

Voice

Bewick's Wren has a varied and complex song, while the Gull-billed Tern's calls are not as melodious.