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Ross's Gull
last update: Feb 24, 2009 10:58 PM
Latin name: Rhodostethia rosea
Longevity: unknown
Population: 50,000-100,000 individuals
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: It breeds in the high arctic of northernmost North America, and northeast Siberia. It migrates only short distances south in autumn, most of the population wintering in northern latitudes at the edge of the pack ice, although some birds reach more temperate areas, such as north west Europe. In North America, a Ross's Gull has been spotted as far south as Salton Sea in California, although sightings that far south is extremely rare.
Wingspan: 90-100 cm
Length: 29-31 cm
Weight: 140-250 g
Mating/Breeding: The Ross's Gull breeds on swampy Arctic estuaries, laying two to three eggs in a ground nest. It arrives on its breeding grounds in late-May where it breeds from early-June in loose colonies of 2-10 pairs (rarely up to 18 pairs) often with other species like the Arctic Tern.
Hibernation: Winters in the northern Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk along pack ice
Hunting Habits: Takes food from or just below surface of water or ice.
Feed on: Insects, marine invertebrates, and small fish.
Predators/Threats: The species is potentially threatened by the development of oil extraction in the Beaufort Sea, and also suffers from nest failures as a result of human disturbance in Canada. The species is shot whilst on passage by native Alaskan peoples for food.
Colour: Summer adults are pale grey above and white below, with a pink flush to the breast, and a neat black neck ring. In winter, the breast tints and neck collar are lost.
Interesting Trivia:
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During the summer the Ross's Gull eats primarily insects, especially beetles and flies. Some gulls were observed eating algae beneath ice floes.
