Ivory Gull vs Ross's Gull

Ivory Gull

Pagophila eburnea

Large550 gMarine

The ivory gull is 40–43 cm (16–17 in) long, with a wingspan of 108–120 cm (43–47 in); males weigh between 500–687 g (17.6–24.2 oz) and females between 448–583 g (15.8–20.6 oz). This species is easy to identify. It has a different, more pigeon-like shape compared to the Larus gulls, an impression reinforced by its short legs. The adult has completely pure white plumage, lacking the grey back of other gulls. The thick bill is blue with a yellow tip (occasionally with a reddish tip), and the legs are black. The eyes are dark, with a narrow dark red orbital ring.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: jomilo75 · CC BY 2.0

Ross's Gull

Rhodostethia rosea

Medium187 gCoastal

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, 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 body feathering, and a neat black neck ring. In winter, the neck collar is lost, and a small dark crescent develops behind the eye; the pink colour, which is diet-related, is lost in some but not all individuals.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Rex Leung · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Ivory Gull and Ross's Gull.