Swallow-tailed Gull

100

Not yet spotted on Fladder

The Swallow-tailed Gull is a unique and elegant seabird found in the Galapagos Islands and off the Pacific coast of South America, distinctive for its forked tail and large eyes. It is the world's only nocturnal gull.

Where to spot

Primarily breeds in the Galapagos Islands and Malpelo Island, Colombia. Disperses to pelagic waters off the coast of Ecuador and Peru during the non-breeding season.

How to spot

Look for its elegant, tern-like flight, forked tail, and large dark eyes. In breeding plumage, it has a black head. Often seen resting on rocky shores or soaring overhead.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in the Galapagos. Most active at night, but visible during the day resting in colonies or on coastlines.

Where to spot

Primarily breeds in the Galapagos Islands and Malpelo Island, Colombia. Disperses to pelagic waters off the coast of Ecuador and Peru during the non-breeding season.

How to spot

Look for its elegant, tern-like flight, forked tail, and large dark eyes. In breeding plumage, it has a black head. Often seen resting on rocky shores or soaring overhead.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in the Galapagos. Most active at night, but visible during the day resting in colonies or on coastlines.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

This gull's large eyes are an adaptation to its nocturnal foraging, allowing it to hunt squid and fish that rise to the surface at night, a unique feeding strategy among gulls.

Spotted Information Sounds Comments