From Arctic coasts to bustling harbors worldwide, this hefty gull turns heads with its pale plumage and impressive size.

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

62cm to 68cm

Wingspan

140cm to 165cm

Weight

1.3kg to 2kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

White Grey

Beak Colour

Yellow

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Arctic, Subarctic, Temperate

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 85
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 90
Endurance 85

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 15 - 20 years
0
6
11
17
22

years

The Glaucous Gull typically lives for 15 to 20 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

400,000 - 1,500,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Ice Gull, Snow Gull

Family:

Laridae

Predators

Adult Glaucous Gulls have few natural predators, but Arctic foxes, polar bears, and larger raptors may prey on eggs and chicks.

Did You Know?

  1. Glaucous Gulls are the second largest gull species in the world.
  2. They can live over 20 years in the wild.
  3. Their name "glaucous" refers to their pale grey coloration.

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References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Larus hyperboreus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22694343A132544122.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2015: Wetlands International