A beautiful and elusive Arctic gull, entirely pure white in all plumages. It is strongly associated with sea ice and often follows polar bears and seals to scavenge.
Where to spot
Breeds in the High Arctic regions of North America, Greenland, Svalbard, and Siberia, often associated with sea ice. Winters near the pack ice edge in the North Atlantic and Bering Sea.
How to spot
Unmistakable due to its pure white plumage. Adults have a small head, short, dark bill, and black legs. Juveniles may have a few dark spots, but are still predominantly white. Requires travel to high latitudes or a rare vagrant sighting further south.
When to spot
Breeding season typically June-August. Observation is most likely during Arctic summer or at the edge of the ice pack during winter. It is a highly nomadic species.
Where to spot
Breeds in the High Arctic regions of North America, Greenland, Svalbard, and Siberia, often associated with sea ice. Winters near the pack ice edge in the North Atlantic and Bering Sea.
How to spot
Unmistakable due to its pure white plumage. Adults have a small head, short, dark bill, and black legs. Juveniles may have a few dark spots, but are still predominantly white. Requires travel to high latitudes or a rare vagrant sighting further south.
When to spot
Breeding season typically June-August. Observation is most likely during Arctic summer or at the edge of the ice pack during winter. It is a highly nomadic species.
Credits:
Door jomilo75 - Ivory Gull Portrait, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6050691
The Ivory Gull is one of the most northerly breeding birds in the world, often nesting on isolated nunataks or islands far within the High Arctic, making it a true polar specialist.
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