Ross's Gull
Rhodostethia rosea (W Macgillivray, 1842)
QG
ROSGU
6010
Family: Charadriiformes > Laridae
Sightings of this small Arctic-breeding gull are mostly confined to northern counties of Britain & Ireland, but it has been recorded in all months of the year.
Even now, there is much to be learned about this delicate gull; its breeding grounds were only found in 1905, and its wintering range is still poorly known – but thought to be largely within the Arctic Circle, north of the breeding areas.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Ross's Gull
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Identifying Kittiwake and other small gulls
Young Kittiwakes have a distinctive wing pattern, but several sought-after rarer species have similar markings - how can you tell them apart?
This video looks at several Gulls in juvenile plumage- Kittiwake, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Sabine's Gull and Ross's Gull.
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Endangered |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Shetland, 1936 |
DISTRIBUTION
This species is a rare vagrant and was recorded during Bird Atlas 2007–11 as shown on the map.
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in winter | 1 |
| % occupied in winter | 0.03 |
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
This vagrant is too rarely reported to map distribution change.
| % change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | --100% |
SEASONALITY
Ross's Gull is a very rare vagrant, with most records in winter, but occasional birds in spring.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Ross's Gull, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: QG | 5-letter code: ROSGU | Euring: 6010 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- Effectiveness of disturbance methods and egg removal to deter large gulls Larus spp. from competing with nesting terns Sterna spp. on Coquet Island RSPB reserve, Northumberland, England
- Invasive alien species as a threat to seabird populations: an account of habitat restoration on 'Ilhéu da Praia' (Graciosa, Azores) Special Protection Area
- Re-establishment of Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) at a former breeding site in the Gulf of Maine
Read more studies about Ross's Gull on Conservation Evidence >
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