Belcher's Gull
Larus belcheri
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Charadriiformes · Laridae
About
Belcher's gull, also known as the band-tailed gull, is a bird in the family Laridae found along the Pacific coast of South America. It formerly included the very similar Olrog's gull as a subspecies, but that bird occurs on the Atlantic coast of South America and is now accepted as Larus atlanticus. Belcher's gull is a medium-sized gull with a blackish mantle, white head and underparts, a black band on the otherwise white tail, and a yellow bill with a red and black tip. Non-breeding adults have a brownish-black head and a white eye-ring. The name of this bird commemorates the British explorer Sir Edward Belcher, who performed survey work on the Pacific coast of South America.
Fun Fact
It formerly included the very similar Olrog's gull as a subspecies, but that bird occurs on the Atlantic coast of South America and is now accepted as Larus atlanticus.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat includes rocky shores, bays and offshore islands.
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance