Ivory Gull
NameIvory Gull
Common NameIvory Gull
Scientific NamePagophila eburnea
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)114
Length (cm)41.5
Weight (g)575
Plumage DetailsAdult Ivory Gulls are entirely pure white, including their body, wings, and tail. They have dark eyes and a relatively small bill that is typically bluish-grey with a yellowish or greenish tip. Juveniles may show some dark spotting on the face and back.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, high-pitched calls, often described as 'kree-kree' or 'kyaaa', somewhat resembling tern calls.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary HabitatsArctic ice floes, coastal tundra, cliffs
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the high Arctic, breeding on cliffs in Greenland, Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, Severnaya Zemlya, and northern Canada. Winters further south in the pack ice.
Identifying Featuresentirely pure white plumage, dark eyes, small head, bluish-grey bill with yellowish or greenish tip, black legs
Description
The Ivory Gull is a striking medium-sized gull, entirely pure white in plumage, perfectly adapted to its Arctic environment. It has a compact body and a relatively small head, often appearing hunched or tucked in when resting, as depicted in the image.
