Sabine's Gull
Xema sabini (Sabine, 1819)
AB
SABGU
5790
Family: Charadriiformes > Laridae
This high-Arctic breeding gull is a scarce migrant to Britain & Ireland, although much commoner in autumn than spring and on Atlantic than North Sea coasts; it is also not infrequently recorded inland.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Sabine's Gull
Identification
Sabine's Gull identification is sometimes difficult. The following article may help when identifying Sabine's Gull.
Identifying Kittiwake and other small gulls
Young Kittiwakes have a distinctive wing pattern, but several sought-after rarer species have similar markings - how can you tell them apart?
This video looks at several Gulls in juvenile plumage- Kittiwake, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Sabine's Gull and Ross's Gull.
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Least Concern |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
|
Listed on the Annexes of
|
Bern(III) |
POPULATION SIZE
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Pembroke, 1839 (Antrim, 1822) |
DISTRIBUTION
This scarcity is too rarely reported to map distribution.
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in winter | 32 |
| % occupied in winter | 1.1 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
This scarcity is too rarely reported to map distribution change.
| % change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +66.7% |
SEASONALITY
Sabine's Gulls are scarce coastal and pelagic passage migrants, usually recorded during autumn migration, most often in September.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Sabine's Gull, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
|
Number of Broods
|
1 |
|
Egg Size
|
45×32 mm Weight = 24 g (of which 6% is shell) |
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: AB | 5-letter code: SABGU | Euring: 5790 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- Effectiveness of disturbance methods and egg removal to deter large gulls Larus spp. from competing with nesting terns Sterna spp. on Coquet Island RSPB reserve, Northumberland, England
- The effects of culling on attacks by yellow-legged gulls (Larus cachinnans) upon three species of herons
- The eradication of feral cats from Ascension Island and its subsequent recolonization by seabirds
Read more studies about Sabine's Gull on Conservation Evidence >
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