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Sabine's Gull
last update: Feb 24, 2009 10:57 PM
Latin name: Xema sabini
Longevity: unknown
Population: 330,000-700,000 individuals
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: Breeds in coastal west and north Alaska eastward across Canada to northern Hudson's Bay and Greenland. Also breeds in Siberia. Winters at sea in subtropical and tropical upwelling zones, such as off western Central and South America and western Africa.
Habitat: Nests on moist tundra ground, usually near fresh water. Feeds primarily in fresh water or on land. Migrates and winters primarily offshore.
Length: 34 cm
Weight: 155-213 g
Mating/Breeding: Breeds in coastal west and north Alaska eastward across Canada to northern Hudson's Bay and Greenland. Also breeds in Siberia. It returns to the breeding grounds from late-May to early-June when the Arctic tundra is still snow-covered, and breeds in colonies of 6 to 15 or occasionally up to 60 pairs. The species may also nest solitarily or as single pairs amidst colonies of Arctic Tern. After breeding the adults and juveniles depart the breeding grounds from late-July to August, migrating in flocks of up to a hundred individuals and spending the winter in small flocks or as solitary individuals
Eggs: Slightly pointed, rich olive-green with darker greenish-brown, irregular markings. Usually 3 eggs
Hibernation: Winters at sea in subtropical and tropical upwelling zones, such as off western Central and South America and western Africa
Hunting Habits: Takes food from surface of water, usually while flying.
Feed on: In breeding season it eats aquatic insects. In winter it eats zooplankton, crustaceans, fish.
Colour: Wings show bold pattern of black, white, and gray triangles in flight. Tail is notched. Bill is black with yellow tip.
Interesting Trivia:
- Most yearling Sabine's Gulls do not attempt to breed and do not return to the breeding grounds. Their summer home is still relatively unknown.
- The only member of its genus, the Sabine's Gull is like no other gull. Many of its behaviors resemble those of terns more than gulls.
