Ross's gull is a small gull, the only species in its genus, although it has been suggested the genus should be merged with the closely related Hydrocoloeus, which otherwise only includes the little gull.
Region
Circumpolar Arctic
Typical Environment
Breeds locally on the low Arctic tundra of northern Siberia, with rare breeding in northern Alaska and the Canadian High Arctic. Outside the breeding season it concentrates near the marginal ice zone of the Arctic Ocean, especially the Chukchi, Bering, and Okhotsk Seas, and occasionally the North Atlantic. It favors flat, marshy tundra near pools, river deltas, and barrier islands for nesting. During migration it can appear at high-latitude coasts and occasionally far south as a vagrant. Association with polynyas and leads in sea ice is typical in winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Ross's gull is a small, elegant Arctic gull and the sole member of its genus, often noted for a delicate pink flush on the underparts in breeding plumage. It breeds sparsely across the Siberian tundra and winters near the edges of Arctic pack ice. Its buoyant, tern-like flight and narrow black neck ring in breeding season help separate it from other small gulls. Although globally not at immediate risk, its remote breeding ecology makes it sensitive to climate-driven changes in sea ice and tundra wetlands.
An adult in non-breeding plumage.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
buoyant, tern-like flight with shallow, graceful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in small, loose colonies or scattered pairs on tundra near water. Monogamous; both sexes incubate and tend young. Often associates with Arctic terns or other small gulls when foraging, and forms small flocks during migration and in winter.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched whistles and soft mewing notes, especially around colonies. Calls carry over open tundra and ice and become more frequent during courtship and territorial displays.
