Pagophila eburnea
The exquisite Ivory Gull, *Pagophila eburnea*, is an icon of the high Arctic, instantly recognizable by its dazzling, pure white adult plumage, a stark contrast to its dark eyes, short black legs, and a greyish-yellow tipped bill. Averaging 43-49 cm in length with a wingspan of 108-120 cm and weighing 450-700g, it is a medium-sized gull with a remarkably compact build. Juveniles, however, sport distinctive dark spotting and barring on their faces, nape, back, and wings, gradually molting into...
The Ivory Gull is an inhabitant of the high Arctic, primarily found near sea ice, pack ice, and coastal tundra cliffs. It prefers remote, undisturbed breeding sites on sheer cliffs or isolated islands, typically at sea level.
Primarily a scavenger of carrion (especially marine mammals like seals and whales), fish, and crustaceans, the Ivory Gull also preys on lemmings, eggs, and chicks of other Arctic birds. It frequently forages by following polar bears and seals, benefiting from their kills.
Primarily diurnal, Ivory Gulls forage during daylight hours, often resting on ice floes or snow-covered ground when not active. Their foraging strategy is opportunistic and diverse, acting as scavengers following polar bears and seals to feed on carrion and placenta, but also predating fish, crus...
The Ivory Gull's breeding range is restricted to the high Arctic regions, including northern Greenland, Svalbard (Norway), Franz Josef Land (Russia), Novaya Zemlya (Russia), Severnaya Zemlya (Russia), and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, particularly islands such as Ellesmere, Devon, and Axel Hei...
Vulnerable
- The Ivory Gull is the most northerly breeding gull in the world, thriving in the extreme conditions of the high Arctic. - Adult Ivory Gulls are the only gulls in the world that are completely pure white, making them unmistakable against the Arctic snow and ice. - They are often called "Polar Gu...