Apr 7

Bird of the day

Lava gull

Leucophaeus fuliginosus

The lava gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus), also known as the dusky gull, is a medium-sized gull and a member of the "hooded gull" group. It is most closely related to the Laughing gull and Franklin's gull and is the rarest gull in the world. It is endemic to the Galapagos Islands.

The lava gull is a distinctive gull, 51 to 55 cm (20–22 in) and weighs 380 g (13 oz). The adult plumage consists of a sooty brown to black head, which unlike other dark hooded gulls doesn't vary by season. The wings are dark gray with a contrasting white line on the leading edge, thought to play a function in displays and camouflage. Its dark gray body contrasts with a paler gray belly. The uppertail is white and grey lower down. The bill and legs are black, and the inside of the mouth is scarlet. It has white upper and lower eyebrows, with red lids. Immature gulls are generally dark brown.

Aliases

Leucophaeus fuliginosus, Dusky gull

Range

Range map of Lava gull