Photo: jujurenoult / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
White-eyed Gull
Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus
White-eyed Gull (Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus) — Shorebirds, Gulls & Auks of Africa.
Found across 4 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The White-eyed Gull (Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus) is a member of the Laridae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 329 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Charadriiformes
- Family Laridae Gulls, Terns, Skimmers
- Genus Ichthyaetus
- Species leucophthalmus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 329 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Laridae
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The White-eyed Gull hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of coastal habitats, it uses a wide range of foraging strategies.
Migration
The White-eyed Gull is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The White-eyed Gull (Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus) belongs to the Laridae family of the order Charadriiformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF islands off Red Sea coasts.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 329 g, with a wing length of about 32.2 cm and a tail of around 11.6 cm.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the White-eyed Gull?
The White-eyed Gull is a large bird that weighs around 329 g.
Where does the White-eyed Gull live?
The White-eyed Gull is found across Africa with a range covering AF islands off Red Sea coasts, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the White-eyed Gull belong to?
The White-eyed Gull (Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus) belongs to the Laridae family, in the order Charadriiformes.
What does the White-eyed Gull eat?
The White-eyed Gull hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the White-eyed Gull migrate?
The White-eyed Gull is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
What sound does the White-eyed Gull make?
1 real field recording of the White-eyed 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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