Ross's Gull

Rhodostethia rosea

Least ConcernRareInvertebratesCoastalScrapeMedium · 187 g

About the Ross's Gull

Ross's gull is a small gull, the only species in its genus, although it has been suggested the genus should be merged with the closely related Hydrocoloeus, which otherwise only includes the little gull.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

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.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Spain, France, Finland, Germany.

When to see it

Peak activity in June · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Ross's Gull for real

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