Ross's Gull

The Ross's gull (Rhodostethia rosea) is a diminutive and unique member of the gull family, distinguished by its delicate features and the singular distinction of being the only species within its genus. Named in honor of the British explorer James Clark Ross, this bird is graced with a pale grey back, white underparts, and in the summer, a subtle pink blush adorns its breast. A striking black neck ring encircles its neck during the breeding season.

Identification Tips

Adult Ross's gulls in their breeding plumage can be identified by their pale grey upperparts and white underparts, complemented by the pink flush on the breast and a distinct black neck ring. In the non-breeding season, they lose the pink hue and neck collar, gaining instead a small dark crescent behind the eye. Juveniles and winter adults share a resemblance, with the young displaying a dark "W" pattern on their wings in flight, akin to the little gull's young. It takes two years for juveniles to achieve full adult plumage.

Habitat

The Ross's gull is a high Arctic inhabitant, favoring the tundra landscapes dotted with sedges, grass tussocks, dwarf willows, bushes, lichens, and pools for its summer breeding grounds.

Distribution

Breeding in the northernmost reaches of North America and northeast Siberia, the Ross's gull undertakes only modest migrations southward in autumn. The majority of the population winters at the northern Bering Sea's pack ice edge and the Sea of Okhotsk. Occasionally, some venture to more temperate regions such as northwest Europe.

Behaviour

Ross's gulls are known to breed in small colonies on the tundra and swampy Arctic estuaries, often in the company of other seabirds like Arctic terns. They lay two to three olive green eggs with reddish-brown spots in ground nests lined with seaweed, grass, or moss, frequently on islands in small lakes. Incubation lasts approximately three weeks, with fledging occurring in another three weeks. However, not all pairs successfully rear their young due to predation and inclement weather.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of Ross's gulls is opportunistic, consisting of small fish and crustaceans. During winter, they often feed on mudflats like waders. In the breeding season, they primarily consume insects, including beetles and flies.

Conservation status

The Ross's gull is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.