Ross's Gull
NameRoss's Gull
Common NameRoss's Gull
Scientific NameRhodostethia rosea
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)72
Length (cm)30.5
Weight (g)180
Plumage DetailsAdults in breeding plumage have a pale grey back and wings, white underparts with a distinctive rosy pink flush, a black neck ring, and a small black bill. The tail is wedge-shaped. Non-breeding birds lose the pink flush and black neck ring, appearing mostly white with a grey back. Juveniles have more complex dark markings.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations are high-pitched, soft, and tern-like, often described as a 'kew-kew-kew' or 'kree-kree-kree' sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the high Arctic regions of Siberia, Greenland, and northern Canada. Winters primarily in the Arctic Ocean, often associated with pack ice and open leads, with occasional vagrancy to more temperate latitudes.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size and elegant flight, Wedge-shaped tail, Rosy pink flush on underparts (breeding adults), Black neck ring (breeding adults), Small black bill
Description
The Ross's Gull is a small, elegant Arctic gull known for its distinctive wedge-shaped tail and often a delicate rosy flush on its underparts. It breeds in high Arctic tundra and spends winters foraging in the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean, exhibiting graceful flight.
