Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus
The White-eyed Gull (Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus) is a striking and elegant medium-sized gull, measuring 39-43 cm (15-17 in) in length with a wingspan of 100-115 cm (39-45 in) and weighing 260-400 g (9.2-14.1 oz). Adults are instantly recognizable by their dark grey mantle and wings, contrasting sharply with a white head that often shows a variable blackish cap, and most notably, a distinctive narrow white crescent above and below a dark eye, giving rise to its common name. The bill is a vibra...
This species primarily inhabits arid coastal areas, rocky islets, and sandy islands within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, generally staying at low elevations.
Their diet is diverse and opportunistic, primarily consisting of small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine invertebrates, often supplemented by offal and refuse found along coastlines.
White-eyed Gulls are largely diurnal, though they may be active at dawn and dusk, often roosting communally on isolated islands or coastal features. They are opportunistic foragers, employing various techniques including surface-feeding, shallow plunging, and even kleptoparasitism, frequently ste...
The White-eyed Gull is largely endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Its primary breeding range encompasses offshore islands and coastal areas within this region, including significant populations on the Farasan Islands of Saudi Arabia, the Dahlak Archipelago off Eritrea, and various islands a...
Near Threatened
- The 'white eye' in its name actually refers to the prominent white crescent around its eye, rather than the iris itself. - It is one of the few gull species globally that possesses dark legs and feet, a distinctive field mark. - This gull is endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, making it a ...