Key information
The Iceland gull is a medium-size gull, smaller than most herring gulls. It has a rounded head and smallish beak, giving it a dove-like expression. It has very pale plumage and white wing tips and, like the glaucous gull, it is sometimes referred to as a 'white-winged' gull. It is a winter visitor, with small numbers of birds, usually seen alone. It breeds in the Arctic and winters as far south as New York and Britain.
What they eat:
Fish - alive or as carrion.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 52-60cm
- Wingspan:
- 130-158cm
- Weight:
- 750g
Population:
- UK wintering:
- 240 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Iceland gull (adult winter plumage)
Iceland gull (first-winter plumage)
