The Vega gull, East Siberian gull, or East Siberian herring gull is a large gull of the herring gull/lesser black-backed gull complex which breeds in Northeast Asia. Its classification is still controversial and uncertain. It is variously treated as a separate species, as a subspecies of the American herring gull or included with both the American herring gull and European herring gull in L. argentatus. The Mongolian gull Larus mongolicus was formerly regarded as a subspecies of Vega gull. It was described in 1887 from specimens collected on the 1878–1880 Vega Expedition on the Swedish ship SS Vega.
Region
Northeast Asia and Northwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds along the Arctic and subarctic coasts and river deltas of northeastern Siberia, nesting on low tundra, gravel bars, and coastal islands. In the nonbreeding season it moves south to coastal East Asia, especially Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and eastern China. It frequents harbors, estuaries, sandy and rocky shores, and offshore waters, and readily uses urban environments such as ports and refuse sites. Occasional vagrants reach Taiwan and Southeast Asia, and it can occur inland on large lakes and reservoirs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Vega gull breeds in northeastern Siberia and winters mainly around Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Its taxonomy has been debated, but many authorities now recognize it as a distinct species separate from the herring gull complex. Adults typically show pink legs and heavy brown head streaking in winter, helping separate them from similar taxa like Mongolian gull. It takes about four years to attain full adult plumage.
Adult Vega gull in flight in winter, Tokyo
2nd-winter Vega Gull overwintering in San Diego, California
Temperament
social and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and soaring glides
Social Behavior
Nests in loose colonies or scattered pairs on ground near water, often on islands or gravel bars. Pairs are generally monogamous for the season, with both sexes incubating and feeding chicks. Outside breeding, forms mixed-species flocks at feeding sites and roosts, especially in harbors and estuaries.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Typical loud gull repertoire including ringing 'keeyah' long-calls, barks, and yelps used in displays. Also gives harsh scolds and mews at feeding sites and colonies.
