Belcher's gull
Larus belcheri
Belcher's gull (Larus belcheri), also known as the band-tailed gull, is a bird in the family Laridae found along the Pacific coast of South America.
About the Belcher's gull
Belcher's gull (Larus belcheri), also known as the band-tailed gull, is a bird in the family Laridae found along the Pacific coast of South America. It formerly included the very similar Olrog's gull as a subspecies, but that bird occurs on the Atlantic coast of South America and is now accepted as a separate species Larus atlanticus. Belcher's gull is a medium-sized gull with a blackish mantle, white head and underparts, a black band on the otherwise white tail, and a yellow bill with a red and black tip. Non-breeding adults have a brownish-black head and a white eye-ring. The name commemorates the British explorer Sir Edward Belcher, who performed survey work on the Pacific coast of South America.
Fun Facts About Belcher's gull
- Non-breeding adults have a brownish-black head and a white eye-ring.
Conservation Status
The Belcher's gull is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | Larus belcheri |
Range & Habitat
🛍️ Belcher's gull Gifts & Merch
Show your love for belcher's gulls! Find t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, mugs, and more at our store.
Browse Belcher's gull Merch →Related Species
Other species in the Laridae family: