Species Profile

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

15–20 years

Length

52–60 cm

Weight

750–1100 g

Wingspan

130–150 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

A pale Arctic wanderer that graces northern coastlines with its ghostly presence, often mistaken for the larger Glaucous Gull.

Also known as: White-winged Gull, Kumlien's Gull

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Gallery

Appearance

The Iceland Gull is a medium-sized gull with a pale, washed-out appearance. Adults have white plumage with a light grey back and wings, yellow eyes, surrounded by a reddish-purple ring and a yellow bill with a red spot near the tip. Their legs are pink, greyish or a dull brown-salmon colour.

Winter adults may show faint grey-brown streaking on the crown, face, and throat. The upper breast is also often faintly lined with brown. During winter, an Iceland gull’s feet, eyes, and bill are less vibrant than in summer months.

Juveniles and immature birds show various stages of brown mottling, which gradually fades to adult plumage over four years.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Secondary: Pink
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Pink

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability80/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance75/100

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

Iceland Gulls breed in the high Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland. During winter, they migrate south to coastal areas of North America, from Newfoundland to the Great Lakes, and across the North Atlantic to Iceland, the British Isles, and northern Europe.

They prefer coastal habitats, including rocky shores, harbours, and estuaries. In the breeding season, they inhabit remote Arctic coasts and islands with suitable cliff-nesting sites.

Distribution

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Diet

Iceland Gulls are opportunistic feeders, consuming a varied diet of fish, marine invertebrates, and carrion. They often follow fishing boats to scavenge discards and have been observed catching fish at the water's surface. In breeding areas, they may also eat eggs and chicks of other seabirds.

They also forage at garbage dumps, sewage farms, and harborsides, where fish are cleaned when brought in by trawlers. In late summer, berries, algae, and terrestrial plants may also be eaten.

Behaviour

Iceland Gulls are often seen soaring gracefully on updrafts or gliding low over water. They are less aggressive than many other gull species and often feed alone or in small groups. During the breeding season, they become more social, nesting in loose colonies on coastal cliffs.

Calls & Sounds

The Iceland Gull's call is a high-pitched, plaintive 'mew' or 'kyow,' often described as more musical than other gull species. At sea, they are relatively silent.

During the breeding season, they produce a variety of vocalisations, including a rapid 'ha-ha-ha' laugh-like call used in courtship and territorial displays.

Nesting & Breeding

Iceland Gulls form monogamous pairs and breed during the short Arctic summer. They typically nest on coastal cliffs or rocky outcrops, often in loose colonies with other gull species.

The nest is a shallow scrape lined with grass, moss, and feathers. Females lay 2-3 olive-brown eggs with dark blotches. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.

Incubation lasts about 24-26 days, and chicks fledge after 40-50 days. Parents continue to care for the young for several weeks after fledging.

Conservation

While the Iceland Gull is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from climate change affecting its Arctic breeding grounds. Oil spills and marine pollution also pose risks to this species. Continued monitoring of population trends is essential for its long-term conservation.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 190,000 - 400,000 individuals^[3]

Trend: Stable^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 100 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include Arctic foxes, large raptors such as Snowy Owls and Gyrfalcons, and occasionally larger gull species that may prey on eggs and chicks.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Iceland Gulls in coastal areas, especially during winter in North America and Europe
Observe their pale plumage and lack of black wingtips to distinguish them from similar species
Check for their slightly smaller size and more delicate build compared to Herring Gulls
Listen for their high-pitched, mewing calls

Did You Know?

The Iceland Gull rarely visits Iceland, despite its name.
It's one of the palest gull species, lacking the black wingtips common in many other gulls.
Some taxonomists consider the Kumlien's Gull a subspecies of the Iceland Gull.