Pallas's gull, also known as the great black-headed gull, is a large bird species. As is the case with many gulls, it has traditionally been placed in the genus Larus. The scientific name is from Ancient Greek. Ichthyaetus is from ikhthus, "fish", and aetos, "eagle".
Region
Central Asia to South Asia and the Middle East
Typical Environment
Breeds across steppe and semi-arid regions around large inland saline and brackish lakes from the Caspian and Aral basins east to parts of Kazakhstan and western Mongolia. In winter it disperses to coasts, estuaries, and large wetlands around the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, Persian/Arabian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent. It favors open shorelines, sand or shingle islands, and expansive mudflats for foraging. Roosts communally on sandbars and quiet lake islands. Uses both freshwater and coastal marine habitats outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pallas's gull, also called the great black-headed gull, is one of the largest hooded gulls. It was traditionally placed in Larus but is now commonly treated in Ichthyaetus; the genus name combines Ancient Greek words for fish and eagle, reflecting its powerful, fish-focused habits. Adults show a striking black hood in breeding season and a massive yellow bill. They breed colonially on remote islands in large inland lakes and move south to coasts and large wetlands in winter.
at Kutch
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and occasional soaring glides
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on ground nests placed on sparsely vegetated islands, often in mixed colonies with terns or other gulls. Generally monogamous within a season, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Outside breeding, forms large flocks at feeding and roost sites and may engage in kleptoparasitism around fishing activity.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, deep, and raucous compared to smaller gulls, with harsh kaw and ahk notes. In colonies it gives repeated braying calls and guttural chatter during displays and territorial disputes.
