Ross's Gull

Rhodostethia rosea

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Brief #

Pale grey above and white below, with a neat black neck ring.

Synonyms #

  • Gaviota rosada (Spanish)

Red List Status #

The Ross's Gull is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

This small bird is similar in size and some plumage characteristics to the little gull. It is slightly larger and longer winged than the little gull species, and has more-pointed wings and a wedge-shaped tail. Its legs are red. Summer adults are pale grey above and white below, with a pink flush to the breast, and a neat black neck ring. In winter, the breast tints and neck collar are lost and a small dark crescent develops behind the eye. Young birds resemble winter adults, but have a dark "W" pattern on the wings in flight, like young little gulls. The juveniles take two years to attain full adult plumage.

Similar species #