Species Profile
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreus
Glaucous Gull
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
15–20 years
Length
62–68 cm
Weight
1300–2000 g
Wingspan
140–165 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Ice Gull, Snow Gull
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Appearance
The Glaucous Gull is a large, pale gull with a robust build. Adults have a white head, body, and tail, with light grey wings and back. Their wingtips lack the black markings typical of many other gull species.
The bill is yellow, with a red spot on the lower mandible near the tip. An orange eye-ring surrounds their light yellow eyes.
In winter, adults may show faint grey streaking on the head. Both sexes look alike, with males slightly larger on average.
First-year juvenile Glaucous gulls are a creamy-biscuit color, with a scaled appearance, slightly darker on the wings and underparts than on the head and breast. Their eyes are dark brown and their bill is pink, tipped with black.
By their second year, plumage is more of a uniform pale cream-brown, and by their third year, it’s hard to distinguish between young Glaucous gulls and adults, with only some minor brown patches remaining on the juvenile’s wings.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
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
Glaucous Gulls breed along Arctic coasts and islands, from Alaska through northern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Eurasia. They prefer rocky shores and cliffs for nesting.
In winter, they migrate south to temperate coastal areas. In North America, they can be found along both Pacific and Atlantic coasts, sometimes venturing inland to large lakes and rivers.
Distribution
Diet
Glaucous gulls have a varied diet that includes fish, marine invertebrates, and carrion. They're known to prey on eggs and chicks of other seabirds (particularly Auks) and will scavenge human refuse and even roadkill when available.
Occasionally, they'll prey on small mammals, like lemmings, shrews and weasels. Their powerful bills allow them to tackle larger prey items than many other gull species.
Arctic cod, herring, and sand lance are the most common fish species caught just below the water’s surface. Prey, including young birds, is usually swallowed whole.
Behaviour
Glaucous Gulls are opportunistic and aggressive feeders, often seen patrolling coastlines for food. They're known to prey on smaller birds and raid nests. These gulls are less gregarious than many other gull species, often seen alone or in small groups when not breeding.
Calls & Sounds
Glaucous Gulls have a deep, hoarse call, often described as a low "kau-kau-kau" or "kuwaaaah."
During the breeding season, they produce a variety of vocalizations, including long, wailing cries and short, sharp notes used in territorial disputes. A trumpeting long call is also heard, thought to be a contact call used to indicate recognition or to signal a shift change in incubation duties.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding begins in late May and goes to early June. Glaucous Gulls typically form monogamous pairs, often returning to the same nesting sites year after year.
Nests are built on cliff ledges or flat ground and are made of grass, seaweed, and moss. Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are olive-brown in color with dark blotches.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 27-28 days. Chicks fledge after 45-50 days but may be dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Glaucous Gulls face threats from climate change affecting their Arctic breeding grounds.
Oil spills and marine pollution also pose risks. Some populations have shown declines, prompting ongoing monitoring efforts.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large, pale gulls with no black on wingtips
- Check Arctic coastlines and ice edges during breeding season
- In winter, scan northern coasts and large inland water bodies
- Observe behavior: more solitary than other gulls
- Listen for deep, hoarse calls, distinct from smaller gulls
Did You Know?
- Glaucous Gulls are the second largest gull species in the world.
- They can live over 20 years in the wild.
- Their name "glaucous" refers to their pale grey coloration.
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