Species Profile
Vega Gull
Larus vegae
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
12–15 years[1]
Length
55–67 cm
Weight
1000–1400 g
Wingspan
125–155 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: East Siberian Gull, East Siberian Herring Gull
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Appearance
The Vega Gull is a large gull with a predominantly white body and pale grey upper wings and back. Its wingtips are black with white spots, and it has a yellow or light orange bill with a red spot near the tip. The legs are pink (sometimes yellow), and the eyes are golden with an orange-red ring around them.
In winter, adults develop streaked grey-brown patterns on the head and neck. Juveniles are uniformly brownish, gradually transitioning to adult colouration over four years.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Black
- 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
Vega Gulls breed along the coasts and islands of northeastern Siberia, from the Taymyr Peninsula to the Bering Sea. During the non-breeding season, they migrate south to coastal areas of East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and eastern China.
These gulls prefer coastal habitats, including rocky shores, estuaries, and harbours. They can also be found inland near large lakes and rivers during migration, occasionally reaching as far as Alaska in North America.
Distribution
Diet
Vega Gulls have a diverse diet, primarily consisting of fish, marine invertebrates, and carrion. They also consume insects, small mammals, and birds.
These adaptable gulls often scavenge human refuse in coastal towns and follow fishing vessels to feed on discarded fish and offal.
Behaviour
Vega Gulls are highly social, often forming large flocks during migration and in winter. They are opportunistic feeders, displaying adaptable foraging techniques, including surface feeding, plunge-diving, and kleptoparasitism.
These gulls are known for their aggressive defence of nesting territories, using loud calls and physical displays to ward off intruders.
Calls & Sounds
The Vega Gull's vocalisations are similar to those of other large white-headed gulls. Their most common call is a loud, harsh 'kyow-kyow' or 'kaa-kaa-kaa'.
During courtship and territorial displays, they produce a variety of mewing and choking sounds, often accompanied by head-tossing behaviours.
Nesting & Breeding
Vega Gulls typically form breeding colonies on coastal cliffs, islands, and tundra near the sea. Pair formation occurs in spring, with birds often returning to the same nesting sites each year.
Nests are built on the ground, consisting of a shallow scrape lined with vegetation, feathers, and debris. Females usually lay 2-3 olive-brown eggs with dark spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 27-29 days. Chicks fledge after 40-45 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
The Vega Gull's conservation status is listed as Least Concern. It's worth noting that this rating includes data combined with its close relatives, the Mongolian Gull and American Herring Gull, as they're often considered the same species in conservation assessments.
Population
Estimated: Unknown
Trend: Stable
Elevation
Sea level to 100 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators of Vega Gulls include large raptors such as eagles and falcons, as well as Arctic foxes and larger gulls, which may prey on eggs and chicks.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Vega Gulls along coastal areas and large inland water bodies during migration
- Observe their distinctive pale grey mantle, which is slightly darker than that of Herring Gulls
- Listen for their loud, harsh 'kyow-kyow' calls, especially in breeding colonies
- Watch for their opportunistic feeding behaviour near fishing boats or in urban areas
Did You Know?
- Vega Gulls were only recognised as a distinct species in 2016, previously considered a subspecies of the Herring Gull.
- They can fly at speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h) during migration.
- These gulls have specialised glands that allow them to drink seawater.
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