Essential Information on the Swallow-Tailed Gull

During your Galápagos cruise, you'll have the opportunity to observe the world's only entirely nocturnal gull, the Swallow-Tailed Gull. This unique bird exclusively forages at night, a behavior that has become a crucial adaptation over time.

The Swallow-Tailed Gull primarily breeds on the Galápagos Islands. Adults are identifiable by their black heads and distinctive scarlet eye rings.

These striking birds hunt far from shore, up to 18 miles (30 km) away, feeding mainly on squid and small fish that are near the water's surface at night, especially during the new moon. Their exceptional night vision is key to their successful nocturnal hunting.

Galápagos Swallow-Tailed Gulls begin breeding at around five years old, laying just one egg per breeding season. They can be seen nesting year-round, as they do not adhere to a specific breeding season and mate opportunistically.

For the best chance to see these impressive birds, visit Genovesa, Plaza Sur, and Española Islands, where you can find around 2,000 to 3,000 pairs of gulls. It's a spectacular experience for any nature enthusiast on a Galápagos cruise.

Interesting facts

• A highly vocal bird that makes a distinctive clicking sound, likely used for echolocation.
• Following breeding, both adults and juveniles migrate south to Peruvian waters.
• Genovesa, known as "The Island of Birds," is the prime spot for viewing these birds.
• As the world's sole nocturnal gull, they possess remarkable night vision.