White-eyed Gull (Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus)

This species forms loose colonies of between six and several hundred pairs, but usually around 25 pairs. They nest on bare rock and sand, lining a shallow scrape with seaweed and debris. Laying two to three eggs in July, the chicks of the white-eyed gull hatch by August. They are greyish brown above with dark spots and streaks below. Details of incubation and fledging periods have not yet been recorded (2). The white-eyed gull consumes mainly fish, but will also take crabs, molluscs and worms and even some fruits. It plunge-dives at the water surface, far out to sea, and may also scavenge in harbours. It has been known to gather into foraging flocks of hundreds or even thousands of individuals (2).

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