Black-tailed Gull
Least ConcernLarus crassirostris
Visual Identification
Black-tailed Gull
Appearance
The Black-tailed Gull is a medium-sized seabird with a distinctive appearance. It has a white head and body, contrasting with slate-grey wings and back. The wingtips are black with small white tips, and a broad black band across the tail gives this species its name.
Adults have yellow legs, a yellow bill with a red spot near the tip, and a black ring. In winter, the white head shows some dark mottling, especially at the back of the neck. Juveniles are predominantly dark brown with lighter edges to their feathers and take about three years to develop adult plumage.
Size
Length
43cm to 51cm
Wingspan
126cm to 128cm
Weight
436g to 650g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Black-tailed Gulls are primarily found along the coasts of East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. They inhabit rocky coastlines, offshore islands, and occasionally inland lakes. During the breeding season, they form large colonies on coastal cliffs and flat, rocky areas.
In winter, some populations migrate southward to warmer regions, reaching as far as Southeast Asia. Vagrant individuals have been spotted in North America, particularly along the western coast of the United States and Canada.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Black-tailed Gulls have a varied diet, primarily consisting of fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are opportunistic feeders, also consuming insects, small mammals, and eggs of other seabirds.
These gulls are known to forage in intertidal zones during low tide and often scavenge human food waste in urban areas.
Behaviour
Black-tailed Gulls are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks along coastlines. They are skilled flyers, capable of soaring on air currents and diving into water to catch fish.
These gulls are known for their opportunistic feeding behaviour, often following fishing boats to scavenge discarded fish.
Vocalisation
Black-tailed Gulls have a range of vocalisations, including a loud, harsh 'kow-kow-kow' call often heard in breeding colonies.
They also produce a softer, mewing sound during courtship and when communicating with their chicks. In flight, they may emit a sharp, high-pitched 'kee-aw' call.
Nesting & Breeding
Black-tailed Gulls typically breed in large, noisy colonies from April to July. Pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays, including head-tossing and mew-calling, to strengthen their bond. They nest on flat, rocky areas or cliff ledges near the sea.
The nest is a shallow scrape lined with vegetation, feathers, and debris. Females usually lay 2-3 eggs, which are olive-brown with dark spots. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 24 to 26 days.
Chicks are semi-precocial, able to walk soon after hatching but remain in the nest area. They fledge after 35-40 days but continue to be fed by their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Black-tailed Gull is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and pollution. Climate change and rising sea levels may also impact their breeding sites in the future.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting coastal habitats and reducing marine pollution.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
1,000,000 - 2,000,000 mature individuals
Global Population Trend
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Black-tailed Gulls along rocky coastlines and in harbours
- Observe their distinctive black tail band in flight
- Listen for their loud, harsh calls, especially in breeding colonies
- Watch for their scavenging behaviour near fishing boats
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Japanese Gull
Family:
LaridaePredators
Main predators of Black-tailed Gulls include large raptors such as eagles and falcons, as well as mammals like foxes and rats that may prey on eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- Black-tailed Gulls can drink both fresh and salt water, thanks to special glands that remove excess salt from their bloodstream.
- They have been observed using 'tool-like' behaviour, dropping shellfish onto rocks to break them open.
- In Japan, these gulls are considered a symbol of the seaside and often feature in coastal town emblems.
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References
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website: BirdLife International. 2018. Larus crassirostris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22694289A132538717.
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