About Leucophaeus scoresbii (Traill, 1823)
Nomenclature
The dolphin gull, scientifically named Leucophaeus scoresbii, is sometimes mistakenly called the red-billed gull – a name that refers to a different, unrelated species from New Zealand.
Native Distribution
This gull is native to southern Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands.
Coastal Habitat
It is a coastal bird that lives on rocky, muddy, and sandy shores, and is often seen near seabird colonies.
Plumage
Its body feathers are greyish, while the feathers on its wings are a darker grey.
Diet
Dolphin gulls have a varied diet, feeding on a wide range of items from mussels to carrion.
Etymology
Both its current scientific name Leucophaeus scoresbii and its outdated common name Scoresby's gull honor the English explorer William Scoresby, who lived from 1789 to 1857.
Confirmed Range
The species occurs along the coasts of Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands.
Vagrant Range
It is a vagrant in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Additional Habitats
It can be found on rocky coasts, as well as in areas near other seabird colonies, slaughterhouses, sewage outflows, and farmyards.
