Black-tailed gull

The black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) is a type of gull that lives near the shorelines of East Asia. This bird is known for its beautiful looks and interesting actions. Gulls like the black-tailed gull are often seen near the ocean, lakes, and rivers, where they look for food. These birds help keep nature healthy. Learning about birds such as the black-tailed gull helps us understand and enjoy the world around us.

Description

The black-tailed gull is a medium-sized bird. It is about 46 cm long with a wingspan of 126–128 cm. It has yellow legs and a special red and black spot at the end of its bill. Both male and female black-tailed gulls look the same, but males are a bit larger. It takes four years for this gull to get its full adult feathers. As its name suggests, it has a black tail. The bird makes a call that sounds like a cat. In Japan, it is called umineko, which means "sea cat." In Korea, it is called gwaeng-yi gull, which means "cat" gull. In Hachinohe, Japan, the sounds of these gulls are considered an important natural sound of the country.

Distribution and habitat

The black-tailed gull lives along the coastlines of the East China Sea, Japan, Manchuria, and the Kuril Islands. It sometimes appears far away from its home, like in Alaska and North America, and has even been seen in the Philippines.

In Japan, this bird is very common. It nests from Hokkaido to Western Kyushu and has sometimes caused plane delays at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. One special place for these birds is Kabushima in Hachinohe, Aomori. For over 700 years, people there have respected the black-tailed gull. Every summer, many of these birds nest near a Shinto shrine and are friendly to people. They are a big attraction for visitors.

The bird is also common along the shores of Korea and on many islands. There are many black-tailed gulls on Liancourt Rocks, and their numbers keep growing because there are no animals that hunt them. In 2008, the bird was chosen as a mascot for Liancourt Rocks. Other places where they nest include Nando and Hongdo islands.

It is very rare to see a black-tailed gull in the United States. One was spotted in Burlington, Vermont in October 2005, and it has been seen a few times in Illinois.

Ecology

The black-tailed gull eats small fish, molluscs, crustaceans, scraps, and carrion. These birds often follow ships and fishing boats. They live in groups and start nesting in mid-April, laying 2–3 eggs by early June. It takes about 24 days for the eggs to hatch.

Black-tailed gulls make many different sounds to talk to each other. Young birds can recognize their parents by their voice and looks after about two weeks. They also have special calls to warn of danger or to talk to each other. One common sound is a cat-like "mew call" used when they return to the nest with food or care for their young.

Images

• Black-tailed Gull, immature plumage

• Black-tailed Gull in Tokyo Bay

• Black-tailed Gull in Hachinohe, Aomori

• Black-tailed Gulls at entrance to Kabushima Shrine