The Iceland gull is a medium-sized gull that breeds in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland, but not in Iceland, where it is only seen during winter. The genus name is from Latin larus, which appears to have referred to a gull or other large seabird. The specific name glaucoides denotes its resemblance to Larus glaucus, a synonym of Larus hyperboreus, the glaucous gull; -oides is Ancient Greek and means "resembling".
Region
North Atlantic and Arctic
Typical Environment
Breeds on coastal cliffs, islands, and tundra edges in Greenland and Arctic Canada, often near pack ice and cold marine waters. In winter it disperses along the North Atlantic coasts, regularly reaching Iceland, the British Isles, and the northeastern seaboard of North America. It frequents harbors, estuaries, rocky shores, and offshore waters, often following fishing vessels. During migration and winter it also uses urban waterfronts and refuse sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, the Iceland gull does not breed in Iceland; it nests mainly in Greenland and Arctic Canada and appears around Iceland mostly in winter. Adults have pale grey backs and white wingtips without the black markings common in many gulls, giving them a ghostly look in flight. Several subspecific forms are recognized, with Kumlien's gull often treated as a subspecies showing slightly darker wingtips.
Iceland gull (Larus glaucoides), juvenile, Cley Marshes
Close-up of first winter individual. Wethersfield, CT USA
Young Kumlien's gull in New York
Eggs, collection Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
social and adaptable
Flight Pattern
buoyant flier with steady wingbeats and graceful glides
Social Behavior
Nests colonially or in loose groups, often on remote cliffs and rocky islets. Pairs form seasonal bonds and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Typical clutch is 2–3 eggs, with chicks fledging after several weeks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, mewing and yelping calls with a lower, less harsh quality than many large gulls. Alarm and contact calls include repeated kek-kek notes and a relaxed laughing series around roosts.
