Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini)

Order: Charadriiformes | Family: Laridae | IUCN Status: Least Concern

sabine's_gulls
Age: Adult, basic | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

sabine's_gulls
Age: Various | Sex: Unknown | From Crossley Bird ID Guide

sabine's_gulls
Age: Adult, basic | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

sabine's_gulls
Age: Adult, basic | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

Identification & Behavior: ~34 cm (13.3 in). The Sabine’s Gull in basic plumage is white with a light gray back and wing coverts. The nape area and back of the neck are blackish, with a black bill with a yellow tip. Birds in alternate plumage have a black head. It has a striking wing pattern showing a white “boomerang” shaped area and black primary feathers. Juveniles have a black terminal tail band. See Swallow-tailed Gull.

Status: The Sabine’s Gull is an uncommon to rare boreal migrant to the pelagic waters of Peru. It is more common during the months of October through May, but highly unlikely to be seen from the coast. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Gaviota de Sabine.

Sub-species: Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini) (Sabine), 1819.

Meaning of Name: Xema: Gr. Xeme= perhaps a female guest or stranger. sabini= In honor to English scientist and explorer  Edward Sabine.

See more of the Family Laridae   peru aves

Distribution Map
sabine's gullVoice

References:

    • Species range based on: Schulenberg, T. S., D. F. Stotz, and L. Rico. 2006. Distribution maps of the birds of Peru, version 1.0. Environment, Culture & Conservation (ECCo). The Field Museum.  http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/uw_test/birdsofperu on 01/01/2015.