Pagophila eburnea, also known as the Ivory Gull, is a seabird species belonging to the family Laridae. It is primarily found in the Arctic region, especially in the colder areas of the northern polar region.
The Ivory Gull is characterized by its predominantly white plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in its natural icy habitat. It has a relatively small body size, measuring around 43 to 47 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of approximately 105 to 110 centimeters. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically being slightly larger than females.
Primarily a pelagic bird, the Ivory Gull stands out due to its exceptional adaptability to ice-rich environments, often found near icebergs, pack ice, sea ice, and ice floes. It relies on marine food sources, with its diet consisting mainly of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates. It possesses a strong bill, which it uses for catching and consuming its prey.
Due to its remote breeding grounds and preference for inaccessible or inhospitable habitats, the Ivory Gull has the reputation of being an elusive and difficult bird to study. It breeds in colonies on coastal cliffs or slopes, often near open water, and nests in depressions among rocks or on elevated surfaces. The species is considered highly vulnerable to disturbances and is listed as an endangered species, primarily due to habitat alteration, pollution, climate change, and contaminants affecting its food chain.
Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the Ivory Gull's habitats, as this unique Arctic seabird plays a crucial ecological role in its ecosystem and contributes to the biodiversity of the polar region.
