Sea Gulls in Palau

​   Most folks don't associate Sea Gulls with tropical habitats.  The nutrient poor waters of most equatorial environments simply don't produce enough nutrients & biomass to support these heavy bodied sea birds.  Thus, Palau lacks breeding populations of the Sea Gulls, found on the temperate shores of Australasia.  

​   That being said, Palau is still lucky enough to receive a small flock of Black Headed Gulls during our winter months.  Escaping the frigid temperatures of Northern Asia, these majestic sea birds endure the long-distance flight across perilous stretches of Ocean to reach our Pacific paradise.  As the Gulls have been habituated to fishing boats, they can be most commonly encountered around the islands Malakal and Peleliu.

​   The scientific name for the Black Headed Gull is Chroicocephalus ridibundus.  The genus name is a Greek translation of khroizo, which means "to colour", and kephale, "head".  This is in reference to the fact that the breeding plumage produces an attractive Black Cap on the head.  The species name ridibundus is a Latin translation of ridere, which means "laughing."  The gulls are normally quiet when approached, but will make a wonderful laughing call when the mood strikes them.
 These foreign visitors have flown a long way to share our waters, so let's remember to treat them with kindness and respect.  We're very lucky to have these beautiful additions to our seasonal biodiversity.

By: Ron Leidich