Ross’s gull

bird

Also known as: Rhodostethia rosea

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Ross's gull (Rhodostethia rosea) is a small, rare gull found in the far north. It is characterized by a wedge-shaped tail and rosy-colored lower parts when in full plumage. This species breeds in northern Siberia and is known to wander widely over the Arctic Ocean. The gull is named after Scottish polar explorer Sir James Clark Ross. It is distinct from Ross's goose (Chen rossii), a very small white goose that breeds in arctic America. Gulls, in general, are web-footed seabirds, often gray or white, and are adaptable opportunists that feed on a variety of food sources.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

gull
Ross’s gull (Rhodostethia rosea) is an attractive pinkish white bird that breeds in northern Siberia and wanders widely over the Arctic Ocean. Abounding in the Arctic, Sabine’s gull (Xema sabini) has a forked tail and a habit of running and picking up food like a…
Read More
Ross’s gull (Rhodostethia rosea) is an attractive pinkish white bird that breeds in northern Siberia and wanders widely over the Arctic Ocean. Abounding in the Arctic, Sabine’s gull (Xema sabini) has a forked tail and a habit of running and picking up food like a…
Read More