Birds
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Nabq, South Sinai, Egypt 1 (Cropped).jpg

Sooty Gull

Sooty Gull

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The Sooty Gull is a large, dark gull of the Middle East and East Africa, characterized by its smoky-brown head and body contrasting with a paler grey back.
Where to spot
Found along the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf, and the East African coast south to Kenya. Inhabits coasts, harbors, and islands.
How to spot
Look for its overall dark, sooty-brown appearance, which distinguishes it from most other gulls. Its pale grey mantle contrasting with a dark head is key.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its resident coastal range. Breeding season typically occurs during the local spring/summer months.
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Nabq, South Sinai, Egypt 1 (Cropped).jpg
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Qurayyat, Oman 05.jpg
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Qurayyat, Oman 06.jpg
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Salala, Oman 2.jpg
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Salala, Oman 8.jpg
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii Muscat, Oman 1.jpg
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii subadults, Muscat, Oman.jpg
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Nabq, South Sinai, Egypt 1 (Cropped).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Qurayyat, Oman 05.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Qurayyat, Oman 06.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Salala, Oman 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Salala, Oman 8.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii Muscat, Oman 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii subadults, Muscat, Oman.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
This gull is highly adapted to tropical coastal environments, often seen scavenging along beaches and around fishing boats in warm waters.
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