The black-tailed gull is a gull native to shorelines of East Asia.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds on offshore islands, rocky islets, and coastal cliffs around Japan, the Korean Peninsula, eastern China, and the Russian Far East. In non-breeding seasons, it disperses along coasts and estuaries further south, frequenting bays, harbors, and sandy beaches. It readily uses human-altered shorelines, including fishing ports and breakwaters. Rare vagrants occur beyond its core range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-tailed gull breeds along rocky and sandy shorelines of East Asia, especially around Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Its name comes from the bold black subterminal band across the tail. Adults have a yellow bill with both red and black markings near the tip and a noticeable red orbital ring. Its distinctive cat-like mewing call is well known around harbors and fishing ports.
The gulls at Kabushima
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and frequent soaring in coastal winds
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on coastal islands and islets, nesting on the ground among vegetation or bare substrate. Pairs are typically monogamous for a season, and both adults incubate and feed the young. Outside the breeding season it often gathers in mixed-species flocks at feeding sites and roosts communally.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a distinctive mewing, cat-like call, along with harsh cackles and scolding notes around colonies. Vocal activity increases during breeding and at feeding sites.
