Species Profile

Audouin's Gull

Ichthyaetus audouinii

Audouin’s Gull

Quick Facts

Conservation

VUVulnerable

Lifespan

15–20 years^[4]

Length

48–52 cm

Weight

550–770 g

Wingspan

117–128 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

A distinctive Mediterranean seabird with coral-red bill and legs, this gull's graceful flight and specialised fishing habits set it apart from its cousins.

Also known as: Mediterranean Gull

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Gallery

Appearance

The Audouin's Gull is a striking seabird. Its pristine white head and underparts contrast beautifully with its pale grey back and wings. Its most distinctive feature is the long, coral-red bill, often tipped with black and yellow. The dark eyes are surrounded by a red orbital ring.

Adults display a similar appearance year-round, with slightly duller colours in winter. Juveniles have brown mottling on their backs and wings, gradually acquiring adult plumage over three years.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Secondary: Black
Beak: Red
Legs: Grey

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability75/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance70/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Audouin's Gulls are predominantly found along the Mediterranean Sea coastlines, with the largest populations in Spain, Greece, and Turkey. They prefer sandy or rocky coastal areas, small islands, and occasionally inland wetlands.

During the non-breeding season, some individuals migrate to the Atlantic coasts of Morocco and Senegal. A small number may occasionally be spotted along the southern coasts of the UK, particularly during post-breeding dispersal.

Distribution

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Diet

Audouin's Gulls are primarily piscivorous, specialising in catching small pelagic fish like herrings, sardines and anchovies. They often feed at night, taking advantage of fish attracted to the surface by artificial lights.

Unlike many gull species, they rarely scavenge human refuse. They will also forage on land and have been observed taking small mammals and lizards as well as raiding olive groves.

Behaviour

Audouin's Gulls are graceful flyers, often seen gliding low over coastal waters in search of prey. Compared to other gulls, they are less aggressive and more specialised in their feeding habits.

These birds are generally quiet and prefer roosting in remote, flat areas near the shore.

Calls & Sounds

The Audouin's Gull has a distinctive call, a nasal 'aow-aow' or 'aahrr'. During the breeding season, they produce a variety of vocalisations, including a soft purring sound used in courtship. Their alarm call is a sharp, repeated 'kek-kek-kek'.

Nesting & Breeding

Audouin's Gulls typically form breeding colonies on small, flat coastal islands from April to July. Courtship involves elaborate displays, including head-tossing and mew-calling between partners.

Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often sparsely lined with vegetation. Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are olive-brown with dark splotches, perfectly camouflaged against the surrounding terrain.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 27-33 days. Chicks fledge after 35-40 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks, learning crucial foraging skills.

Conservation

Once critically endangered, Audouin's Gull has seen a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts but is still listed as Vulnerable.

Protection of breeding sites, particularly in Spain's Ebro Delta, has been crucial. However, the species still faces threats from habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change.

VUVulnerable

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 33,000 - 46,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 100 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include Yellow-legged Gulls, which often prey on eggs and chicks, as well as rats and feral cats on breeding islands.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Audouin's Gulls along Mediterranean coastlines, especially near fishing ports.
Observe their distinctive coral-red bill to differentiate from other gull species.
Watch for their elegant, low flight over water during fishing activities.
Visit breeding colonies on small islands during the spring and summer months.

Did You Know?

Audouin's Gulls have specialised salt glands that allow them to drink seawater.
They are named in honour of the French naturalist and ornithologist Jean Victor Audouin (1797 – 1841).
Unlike many gulls, they rarely follow fishing boats for discards, preferring to catch live prey.