The sooty gull is a species of gull in the family Laridae, also known as the Aden gull or Hemprich's gull. It is found in Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Mozambique, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. As is the case with many gulls, it has traditionally been placed in the genus Larus. The sooty gull is named in honour of the German naturalist Wilhelm Hemprich who died in 1825 while on a scientific expedition to Egypt and the Middle East with his friend Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg.
Region
Red Sea and western Indian Ocean coasts
Typical Environment
Occurs along coastlines of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and parts of the western Indian Ocean, including the Horn of Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and coasts of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and island groups like the Maldives. Prefers marine shorelines such as sandy and rocky beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, and offshore islets. Frequently seen around ports, fish markets, and harbors where food is available. Rarely ventures far inland, remaining strongly tied to coastal waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Hemprich’s gull or Aden gull, it is a dark-plumaged coastal gull of the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean. It often follows fishing boats and scavenges at harbors, taking advantage of human activity. The species nests on remote beaches and rocky islets, typically in loose colonies. Its English name refers to the sooty-brown tone of the upperparts, while the scientific name honors the German naturalist Wilhelm Hemprich.
On the beach, Oman
oeufs de Ichthyaetus hemprichii - MHNT
Temperament
confident and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with buoyant wingbeats and long glides over surf
Social Behavior
Often forms loose flocks, especially where food is abundant such as harbors and fish-landing sites. Nests colonially or in dispersed groups on remote sandy or rocky islands, typically on the ground with minimal nesting material. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and defend a small territory around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are typical gull-like, with harsh cackles, yelps, and nasal keee-ah calls. Calls intensify around breeding colonies and during aggressive interactions over food.
