Vega Gull
Larus vegae
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
55cm to 67cm
Wingspan
125cm to 155cm
Weight
1000g to 1.4kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Vega Gull. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Vega Gull demonstrates impressive agility through its diverse foraging techniques, including plunge-diving and surface feeding. Their ability to maintain speeds of up to 64 km/h during migration whilst performing complex aerial manoeuvres showcases their excellent flight capabilities.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large, robust gull weighing up to 1.4kg with a wingspan of 155cm, the Vega Gull possesses considerable strength. Their ability to handle rough coastal conditions and engage in physical territorial defence indicates solid muscular capability.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable birds, displaying remarkable versatility in their feeding strategies, from marine foraging to urban scavenging. Their ability to process seawater through specialised glands and thrive in various habitats from Arctic tundra to urban environments demonstrates exceptional adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These gulls exhibit strong aggressive tendencies, particularly in defending nesting territories. Their practice of kleptoparasitism (food stealing) and vigorous colony defence through physical displays and loud vocalisations indicates a notably aggressive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Vega Gull's long-distance migration patterns, combined with their ability to navigate challenging Arctic breeding grounds and diverse coastal environments, reflects impressive endurance. Their lengthy lifespan of up to 20 years and capacity for sustained flight during migration supports this high endurance rating.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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 Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
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.
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.
References
- 1
other: Estimated lifespan based on the Herring Gull
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