The Andean gull is a species in subfamily Larinae of the family Laridae, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Breeds and forages around high-altitude lakes, marshes, puna grasslands, and peat bogs from Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwest Argentina. During nonbreeding it frequents rivers, agricultural fields, urban wetlands, and occasionally coastal beaches and estuaries. It favors open shorelines and islands for nesting, often where emergent vegetation offers some protection. Local movements to lower elevations are common after breeding, especially during harsh weather.
Altitude Range
2500–5000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized gull breeds around high Andean lakes and bogs, often forming dense colonies on islets or shorelines. Outside the breeding season many descend to lower elevations and even coastal areas. Adults show a dark hood in breeding plumage, which fades to a white head with a dusky ear spot in winter. It is an adaptable, opportunistic feeder that takes insects, small aquatic prey, and carrion.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with buoyant wingbeats and frequent soaring
Social Behavior
Breeds in colonies on islets or shorelines, nesting on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with vegetation. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and defend small territories around the nest. Outside breeding, gathers in flocks to roost and forage, often mixed with other gulls and waterbirds.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes sharp yelps and harsh, laughing calls typical of gulls. At colonies it is notably noisy, with repeated kek-kek-kek and squealing notes used in displays and alarm.
Plumage
Clean white underparts with pale gray mantle and upperwings; blackish primaries with white tips and mirrors; in breeding, a dark hood; in nonbreeding, white head with a dusky ear spot.
Diet
Takes aquatic and terrestrial insects, small fish, crustaceans, worms, and amphibians. Also scavenges carrion and human refuse when available. Will pick insects from the water surface, snatch flying insects, and glean along shorelines. Occasionally follows plows in highland fields to take exposed invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages along lake and lagoon margins, flooded meadows, and marsh edges. In nonbreeding season, also uses riverbanks, agricultural fields, and sometimes coastal beaches and estuaries.
