Audouin's gull is a large gull restricted to the Mediterranean and the western coast of Saharan Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The genus name is from Ancient Greek ikhthus, "fish", and aetos, "eagle", and the specific audouinii and the English name are after the French naturalist Jean Victoire Audouin.
Region
Mediterranean Basin and West African Atlantic coast
Typical Environment
Breeds on coastal islands, rocky islets, sand spits, and protected lagoons around the western and central Mediterranean, with key colonies in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Outside the breeding season many birds disperse to the Atlantic coasts of Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania, with some reaching farther south. It forages over nearshore waters and continental shelf edges, frequently near fishing grounds. Inland records are rare and usually involve brief stopovers at large wetlands. Nesting sites are typically open and sparsely vegetated, providing good visibility against predators.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Audouin's gull is a specialized, largely piscivorous gull that breeds mainly on Mediterranean coasts and islands. It often forages at night and may follow fishing vessels to take small pelagic fish. Once among the rarest European gulls, its numbers recovered with colony protection but remain sensitive to disturbance and changes in fisheries. Adults are distinctive with a deep red bill and grey‑green legs.
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and efficient glides over the sea
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on islands and undisturbed shorelines, nesting on the ground in shallow scrapes. Pairs form monogamous bonds during the season, with courtship feeding common. Both parents incubate and tend chicks, which form small crèches near the colony.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, yelping ke-eeh calls and nasal mews, softer than many large gulls. At colonies, calls become more rapid and chattering during displays and alarm situations.
