Black-tailed Gull
Larus crassirostris
The Black-tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris) is a uncommon skimmers, noddies, terns, and gull found in 16 countries, weighing about 561 g. The black-tailed gull is a gull native to shorelines of East Asia.
About the Black-tailed Gull
The black-tailed gull is a gull native to shorelines of East Asia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-tailed gull is medium-sized (46 cm or 18.1 in), with a wingspan of 126–128 cm (49.6–50.4 in). It has yellow legs and a red and black spot at the end of the bill. Males and females have identical plumage and features, although males are larger in size than females. This gull takes four years to reach full adult plumage. As the name suggests, it has a black tail. The bird has a cat-like call, giving it its Japanese name — umineko (海猫, 'sea cat'), and Korean name — gwaeng-yi gull, which means 'cat' gull. In Hachinohe their calls are one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, Australia.
When to see it
The Black-tailed Gull can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-tailed Gull?
- The black-tailed gull is medium-sized (46 cm or 18.1 in), with a wingspan of 126–128 cm (49.6–50.4 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-tailed Gull?
- The Black-tailed Gull is a large sized bird weighing about 561 g.
- Where can you see a Black-tailed Gull?
- The Black-tailed Gull occurs in 16 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China and Russia.
- What birds look similar to a Black-tailed Gull?
- The Black-tailed Gull is most easily confused with the Armenian Gull, the Belcher's Gull and the Slaty-backed Gull.
- Is the Black-tailed Gull endangered?
- The Black-tailed Gull is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-tailed Gull for real
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