Species · GBIF taxon 2481127
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusAlso known as Burgomaster, Large White-winged Gull
Glaucous gulls rule the Arctic skies as formidable apex predators, easily distinguished by their massive size and ghostly, pale plumage that lacks any black wingtips. These powerful birds patrol coastlines and nesting colonies, often bullying other seabirds to steal their catch or preying directly on their chicks and eggs. During the harsh northern winters, they migrate southward to ice-free coastal waters, harbors, and even inland landfills.
ArcticPredatorySeabird
Licensed referenceAlastair Rae from London, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Omnivorous (fish, marine invertebrates, carrion, eggs, and smaller birds)
- family
- Laridae
- threats
- Climate change, marine pollution, oil spills, and heavy metal bioaccumulation
- life Span
- 15 to 20 years
LC
Capable of delivering a powerful bite if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
- Scan the flock: Look for their exceptionally pale, translucent wingtips among darker-winged gulls in winter harbors.
- Keep your distance: Avoid approaching nesting colonies on cliffs, as parents will aggressively dive-bomb intruders.
- Watch feeding frenzies: Observe how their sheer size allows them to easily bully smaller gulls away from food.