2017 Bonanza Bird #3: Iceland Gull

Birdorable Iceland Gull

Today our 2017 Birdorable Bonanza continues with the Iceland Gull!

The Iceland Gull is a medium-sized gull that breeds in the Arctic. The species is migratory; many birds spend the winter between the Great Lakes and the northeast of the United States.

Iceland Gulls are colonial breeders, using rocky cliffs for nesting. They feed on fish, often taken on the wing, as well as other marine animals. Outside of breeding season they may also be found foraging for food in other places like beaches and trash dumps.

Iceland Gulls have three recognized subspecies. The nominate subspecies is joined by Thayer's and Kumilien's. Thayer's was considered a separate species until 2017.

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) by Ron Knight

Tomorrow's new species will join our Birdorable macaw family. It is a relatively small species named for the color of its head. Can you guess the bird?

Cute Iceland Gull Gifts

Comments

Gustavo Carvalho on November 26, 2017 at 11:15 PM wrote:
I'm guessing Blue-Headed Macaw (Primolius couloni)!

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Booming Back from the Brink: The Fight to Save the Attwater's Prairie Chicken

Nestled in the coastal prairie of Texas, the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge represents a vital sanctuary for one of North America's most critically endangered birds. The Attwater's Prairie-Chicken, a species that once thrived across the vast grasslands of Texas and Louisiana, now faces the brink...

Kingfisher Frequently Asked Questions

This week, we’re celebrating the world’s kingfishers! There are about 90 species of kingfisher in the world. These darling birds are often colorful, and they can be found all around the world. Join us as we highlight kingfishers...

Bird Term: Neotropical Migrant

A lot of bird species are migratory. That means that they spend part of the year in one place and then travel (fly) to another place for some time. Migration is typically based around ideal conditions for breeding versus availability of food...

2013 Bonanza Bird #22: Blue-winged Warbler

Happy Monday! Our 2013 Birdorable Bonanza continues today with our new bird, the Blue-winged Warbler. The Blue-winged Warbler is a lovely species of New World warbler that breeds across a range in eastern North America. They are migratory; winters are spent in...