Ichthyaetus audouinii
Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) is a distinctive medium-sized gull, primarily endemic to the Mediterranean basin, measuring 48-52 cm in length with a wingspan of 125-140 cm and weighing between 500-800 grams. Adults are characterized by their unique dark red bill with a black subterminal band and yellow tip, contrasting with pale grey upperparts, white underparts, and dark primary tips. Their pale yellow-green legs are also a crucial identification mark. Juveniles are browner, featurin...
Primarily a coastal and pelagic bird, Audouin's Gull inhabits rocky islands, sandy beaches, and coastal wetlands for breeding and foraging. It remains exclusively at sea level throughout its life cycle.
This species primarily feeds on small pelagic fish, such as sardines and anchovies, obtained through surface-plunging and dipping. They also occasionally consume cephalopods, crustaceans, and large insects.
Audouin's Gull is largely diurnal but uniquely engages in significant nocturnal foraging, especially during the breeding season to meet the high energetic demands of chick provisioning. They typically roost in large, often mixed-species, colonies on remote islands or secluded coastal stretches. F...
Audouin's Gull breeds almost exclusively within the Mediterranean Sea, with major colonies found on islands and coastal areas of Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, and Morocco. The largest breeding aggregations are concentrated in the Ebro Delta, Spain, and on the Chafarinas Islands off Morocc...
Least Concern
- Audouin's Gull is often considered the only truly Mediterranean gull species, with the vast majority of its global population breeding exclusively within the Mediterranean Sea. - Unlike most gulls, which are opportunistic scavengers, this species is a highly specialized predator, primarily feed...