Iceland GullIceland Gull -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 24 inches | Wingspan: 54 inches | Seasonality: Rare Visitor |
| ID Keys: Very similar to Thayer's Gull,. Pinkish legs, yellow-green bill with red spot, Very little dark grey on primaries | ||
Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoides
The Iceland Gull is a pale northern Gull, normally found in the Arctic in summer, and the northern Atlantic coast in winter. It only actually occurs in Iceland during the winter months. They are very closely related to the Thayer's Gull, and many believe them to be slightly different races of the same species.
Habitat: Breeds on rocky cliffs in the Arctic. During winter and migration, most are still found in coastal regions, sometimes including the shores of the Great Lakes and other large inland water bodies.
Diet: Primarily feeds on fish. Will also feed on mollusks, crustaceans, eggs and young birds, berries, seeds, carrion, and human refuse.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song: Clew-clew-clew, similar to a Herring Gull.
Migrations: Breeds in the Arctic. Most move only short distances south during the winter, with some reaching New England and the Great Lakes.
Similar Species: Glaucous Gull, Thayer's Gull
Status: Populations stable, with some evidence of increases in recent
decades.
Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Iceland Gull
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Iceland Gull"
3) E-nature.com -- Iceland Gull
Photo Information: Out-of-state photo -- January 2004 -- New Hampshire -- Photo by Garth McElroy
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This page was last edited on 02/29/08