Photo: The original uploader was Krugerlive at English Wikipedia. / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Lava Gull
Leucophaeus fuliginosus
Lava Gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus) — Shorebirds, Gulls & Auks of South America.
Found across 2 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Lava Gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus) is a member of the Laridae family found in South America. Adults weigh 380 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Charadriiformes
- Family Laridae Gulls, Terns, Skimmers
- Genus Leucophaeus
- Species fuliginosus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 380 g
- Diet
- Omnivores
- Family
- Laridae
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Lava Gull is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Behaviour
A bird of coastal habitats, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.
Migration
The Lava Gull is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Lava Gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus) is a species of bird in the Laridae family, part of the order Charadriiformes. It is found across South America. Its distribution covers SA coasts of Galápagos.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 380 g, with a wing length of about 34.1 cm and a tail of around 13.9 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Lava Gull?
The Lava Gull is a large bird that weighs around 380 g.
Where does the Lava Gull live?
The Lava Gull is found across South America with a range covering SA coasts of Galápagos, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Lava Gull belong to?
The Lava Gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus) belongs to the Laridae family, in the order Charadriiformes.
What does the Lava Gull eat?
The Lava Gull is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Does the Lava Gull migrate?
The Lava Gull is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Lava Gull endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
What sound does the Lava Gull make?
1 real field recording of the Lava Gull — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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