One of the rarest gulls in the world and a true Galápagos Islands original. Found only in the Galápagos, this unique seabird is endemic to the islands, meaning it doesn’t exist anywhere else on Earth. Despite its rarity, this gull is well-adapted to life in the harsh, volcanic environment of the islands — especially around coastal lagoons, beaches, and rocky shores.

The lava gull has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other gulls. Its feathers are mostly a sooty gray or dark brown, giving it a slightly “smoky” appearance that blends well with the black lava rocks of the Galápagos — hence the name. It has a black head, dark legs, and a sharp, slightly hooked bill, while the inside of its mouth and the ring around its eyes are bright red, creating a bold contrast. Its wings are long and pointed, perfect for soaring over coastal waters, and in flight, it shows a striking white edge on the upper wings that helps with identification.

What’s especially interesting about the lava gull is its secretive and solitary behavior. Unlike most gulls that form noisy, crowded colonies, lava gulls prefer to nest alone and are very territorial. They often choose hidden nesting spots on beaches or near mangroves, laying just one or two eggs at a time. This cautious behavior may be one reason for their low population, as they don’t breed in large numbers. Still, it helps them avoid competition and reduce the chances of predators finding their nests.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Ecuador

300-600

Official estimate

VU

2018

Breeding: Galápagos