- Creagrus furcatus
Description
Once known as Larus furcatus - The only nocturnal gull, a pelagic species that can be found in the Galapagos Islands and the coasts of Equador and Peru.Closely related to Sabine's Gull.
In 1964, Jack P. Hailman found that the birds 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.
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.
