Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

Sabine's Gulls are small gulls normally found in the high Arctic in summer, and off the continental shelf in the Southern Hemisphere in the winter.  After breeding season, they spend the vast majority of their time at sea, and are only rarely seen from shore.  However, in the fall a few birds (primarily immatures) might be found far inland, such as the young bird at the right which was photographed on the Missouri River in Pierre in September 2003.

Habitat: Summer breeding grounds are on the low marshy Arctic Tundra near the coastline. In migration and in winter, they prefer to stay a several miles offshore over the continental shelf where upwelling of cold water occurs.  Only rarely are migrants found inland.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects and aquatic insect larvae during the summer breeding season.  Also will feed on small crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, and marine worms in all seasons.

Behavior: Forages by swimming and plucking items from the water's surface, or by flying and dipping down to the water's surface.  Will also walk along shorelines in search of food.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: High pitched squeaking notes

Migration: Summers in the high Arctic.  Winters in the Southern Hemisphere off the coast of western South America and South Africa.

Similar Species: Bonaparte's Gull, Franklin's Gull.  See Identification Tips for distinguishing between "black-hooded" (summer plumage) gulls.

Conservation Status: Due to its remote breeding grounds and tendency to migrate far out to sea, they are usually far removed from human disturbance.  Populations are generally stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Sabine's Gull

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Sabine's Gull

3) eNature.com: Sabine's Gull

Photo Information: September 21st, 2003 -- Missouri River in Pierre -- Doug Backlund