Bird · GBIF taxon 7406504
Audouin's Gull
Ichthyaetus audouiniiAlso known as Audouin Gull
Audouin's gulls are specialized coastal seabirds that feed almost exclusively on live surface fish, often hunting nocturnally when prey moves closer to the water line. Unlike opportunistic gulls that frequent landfills, this species relies on healthy offshore marine ecosystems and breeds in dense colonies on secluded Mediterranean islands and sandy spits. Their distinctive dark red bills capped with black and yellow set them apart from more aggressive coastal competitors.
SeabirdPelagicCoastal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Marine Invertebrates
Predators
- Yellow-legged Gull
- Rats
- Feral Cats
ThreatsOverfishing, fisheries bycatch, disturbance at nesting sites, invasive predators
HabitatsCoastal marine waters, rocky offshore islets, lagoons, sandy beaches
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLaridae
- SpeciesIchthyaetus audouinii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a medium-large gull with a stubby dark red bill tipped in yellow, dark eyes, and dark olive legs.
- Support conservation
- Maintain strict distance from offshore breeding grounds and refrain from disturbing coastal roosting flocks.
Responsible observation
- Observe from afar: Use binoculars or a spotter scope to view nesting colonies on protected islands without causing disturbance.
- Look for key features: Note the deep red bill with a dark band and yellow tip alongside dark olive-grey legs.
- Respect protected zones: Avoid landing on restricted breeding islands during the spring and summer nesting season.
Competitor (c) Jörg Hempel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Jörg Hempel · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion Close Relative Close Relative
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