Relict Gull

The Relict Gull, or Central Asian Gull (Ichthyaetus relictus), presents itself as a medium-sized gull with a robust and thickset body. It measures approximately 44 to 45 cm in length.

Identification Tips

During the non-breeding season, adult Relict Gulls can be identified by their dark-smudged ear-coverts and hind crown, white-tipped wings, and distinctive black subterminal markings on the outer primaries, lacking a white leading edge on the outer wing. In contrast, breeding adults don a striking black hood, including the nape, with a grey-brown forehead. A broad, white, half-moon marking adorns the area behind, below, and above their eyes. Their legs are a vivid orange, and their bills are a brilliant scarlet.

Habitat

The Relict Gull breeds on islands within saltwater lakes, a habitat that is quite delicate and subject to the whims of nature. Outside the breeding season, these gulls can be found frequenting estuarine mudflats and sandflats.

Distribution

This species breeds in select locations across Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and China. During the nonbreeding period, some individuals migrate to South Korea, and there is unconfirmed evidence suggesting that others may venture to eastern China.

Behaviour

Breeding occurs from early June through early August. The gulls form colonies on islands, but their nesting is highly sensitive to environmental conditions. They do not nest when lakes dry up, when water levels are too high, or when islands are either too small, overgrown, or too large and connected to the shore.

Conservation status

With a population estimated at fewer than 10,000 individuals and in decline, the Relict Gull is classified as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Threats include fluctuating water levels in breeding lakes, predation, hailstorms, flooding, and human disturbance, which exacerbates these issues. The scarcity of suitable stopover locations also poses challenges during migration. To address these concerns, nature reserves have been established in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Russia.