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[[Image:Swallow-tailed_Gull.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Juninho]] | [[Image:Swallow-tailed_Gull.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Juninho]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
− | The only nocturnal gull, a pelagic species that can be found in the Galapagos Islands and the coasts of | + | The only nocturnal gull, a pelagic species that can be found in the Galapagos Islands and the coasts of Ecuador and Peru. Closely related to [[Sabine's Gull]]. |
In 1964, Jack P. Hailman found the gulls to have reflective eyes similar to those of nocturnal mammals. | In 1964, Jack P. Hailman found the gulls to have reflective eyes similar to those of nocturnal mammals. | ||
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Creagrus+furcatus}} | {{GSearch|Creagrus+furcatus}} | ||
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+ | [[Category:Birds]] |
Revision as of 05:22, 28 September 2007
- Creagrus furcatus
Description
The only nocturnal gull, a pelagic species that can be found in the Galapagos Islands and the coasts of Ecuador and Peru. Closely related to Sabine's Gull.
In 1964, Jack P. Hailman found the gulls to have reflective eyes similar to those of nocturnal mammals.
Breeding
Breeds all year round and lays single egg clutches and raises a single chick brood. Performs mutual preening and head tossing behaviour.
Food
Feeds almost entirely on squid and clupeoid fish.
Call
Unique clicking sounds, possibly developing for echo location, some typical gull-like cries.
Identification
Sexes are alike. Adult in breeding plumage has dark, grey head and neck, red orbital ring, black bill tipped with pale grey. Grey mantle and large white wing patches. The legs are pink to red in colour. Adult non-breeding looses the dark head. Juvenile is white and mottled with brown, dark eye patch and orbital ring. No white on bill and paler legs.