ExploreBirds

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

The Iceland Gull is a beautiful bird that loves cold places! It has soft, pale feathers and can often be seen near the ocean, looking for tasty fish to eat.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Iceland Gull is a large, strikingly pale gull with pure white plumage on its head and body. Its back and wings are very light grey, with distinctive all-white wingtips. This lack of any black on its wingtips makes it look uniquely white compared to most other gulls.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
Iceland Gull
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badgelongevous trait badge
Iceland Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Iceland Gulls are expert at finding food near fishing boats for an easy meal.

In winter, some migrate thousands of miles south to visit warmer coastal areas!

They often breed in the Arctic Circle, thriving in incredibly cold, remote places.

This gull's wingtips are completely white, making it look extra bright in the snowy north!

Special abilities

Ability

Arctic Armor

Iceland Gulls have incredibly dense, waterproof feathers that help them stay warm and dry in freezing arctic environments.

Ability

Winter Scavenger

Iceland Gulls can skillfully locate and feed on carrion or discarded food, even in harsh winter conditions.

Ability

Ocean Glider

Iceland Gulls can soar effortlessly on air currents, conserving energy during long flights over vast open seas.

Measurements & details

Length
50-65 cm
Wingspan
115-150 cm
Weight
0.8-1.5 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
1-3
Incubation
27-30 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

An opportunistic eater, it enjoys fish, marine invertebrates, and various scraps found near human activity.

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Mollusks
  • Carrion
  • Bird eggs
  • Refuse

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Opportunistically feeds on discarded fish or small individuals.

eats

Snow Crab

Chionoecetes opilio

Forages for crustaceans like snow crabs in intertidal zones.

eats

Little Auk

Alle alle

Preys on eggs and chicks of colonial seabirds.

depends on

Humans

Homo sapiens

Scavenges food waste and discards from fishing activities.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Iceland Gull?

50-65 cm

What is Iceland Gull's wingspan?

115-150 cm

How much does Iceland Gull weigh?

0.8-1.5 kg

How long does Iceland Gull live?

15-20 years

How fast can Iceland Gull move?

55 km/h

What does Iceland Gull eat?

An opportunistic eater, it enjoys fish, marine invertebrates, and various scraps found near human activity.

Where is Iceland Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Iceland Gull hunt?

Foraging

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