Slender-billed Gull
Scientific Name: Larus geneiMaltese Name: Gawwija Munqarha Rqiq
Family: Gulls (Laridae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Slender-billed Gull is a mid-sized gull which breeds very locally around the Mediterranean and the north of the western Indian Ocean on islands and coastal lagoons. Most of the population is somewhat migratory, wintering further south to north Africa and India.
This species is 37-40 cm long with a 90-102 cm wingspan. It is therefore slightly larger than the Black-headed Gull, which it resembles, although it does not have a black hood in summer. The head and dark red bill have an elongated tapering appearance, and this bird also appears long-necked. The legs are dark red, and the iris is pale blue. In summer, the breast has a pink colouration. This bird takes two years to reach maturity, as usual in gulls. First year birds have a black terminal tail band, and dark areas in the wings.
The scientific name of this bird commemorates the Italian naturalist Giuseppe Gené. This rather uncommon gull breeds in colonies, nesting on the ground and laying up to three eggs. Like most gulls, it is gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts
Status:
Scarce migrant. Mostly seen in singles or small flocks as they migrate from the coast. In December 2005 an individual with a ring from Spain was present at Ghadira Nature Reserve.
When to See:
Mostly seen from August till early April. Sometimes recorded in Winter months although it doesn't winter here.
Where to See:
Mostly seen from the coast as they migrate in spring. Cirkewwa is a good spot to see this species migrating in small flocks in spring (March/April). Salina and Ghadira Nature Reserves are also good spots to see this species feeding and resting during spring migration and summer months.
Photographs:
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1st Winter Slender-billed Gull with ring from Spain, December 2005, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Adult Slender-billed Gull, December 2005, Ghadira Nature Reserve | Adult & 1st Winter Slender-billed Gull, December 2005, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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