Basic Description
Ross’s Gull, also known as the Arctic Ross’s Gull is a small bird that belongs to the Laridae family. The bird measures 11-13 inches in length and weighs around 3 oz. Males have a distinctive pink breast while females are duller in color.
Where To Find This Bird
This gull breeds in low-density colonies on the tundra of North America (Canada and Alaska), Greenland, and Russia. During winter, it is regularly found along coastlines from northeastern North America to Japan.
Habitat
The Arctic Ross’s Gull has adapted to its habitat by having short legs that they use for walking over snow and ice without sinking or tripping. They make their nests close to water bodies such as ponds, lakes or rivers that are located within their breeding range.
Food
Arctic Ross’s Gulls feed mostly on marine organisms such as small fish, crustaceans, mollusks like clams and mussels but also consume insects when available during nesting season.
Cool Facts
1) Unlike other gulls which regularly scavenge for food at dumps or fishing boats out at sea; these birds feed exclusively on marine animals.(Olsen et al., 2010)
2) Ross’ gulls were named after James Clark Ross who discovered them during his expedition of Antarctica between1839-1843.
3)Breeding colonies are typically composed of individuals distributed among wider areas unlike most colony-nesting seabirds which breed more densely together.
In conclusion, we can say that this peculiar bird species adds diversity to our wildlife with its beautiful appearance and unique adaptation traits allowing it to thrive in one of Earth’s harshest environments –the Arctic Tundra.
