Pallas’s Gull

The rare migratory Pallas’s Gull was recently sighted at Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhand, marking its return after nearly a decade. This sighting highlights the ecological importance of the sanctuary along major migratory routes.

About Pallas’s Gull

Pallas’s Gull, also known as the Great Black-headed Gull, is a large gull species belonging to the Laridae family.
Its scientific name is Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus.

It is the world’s largest black-headed gull and the third-largest gull species globally.

Distribution and Migration

Pallas’s Gull breeds in colonies on marshes and islands across southern Russia to Mongolia.
It is a migratory bird, spending winters in the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent.

Habitat

The species prefers wetland ecosystems, including salt lakes, lagoons, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers.

Physical Features

Pallas’s Gull measures 55–72 cm in length with a wingspan of 142–170 cm.
During the summer breeding season, adults are easily identifiable due to their distinct black hood, a feature unique among gulls of similar size.

The adults have grey wings and back, with prominent white “mirrors” at the wing tips.
Their legs are yellow, and the bill is orangey-yellow with a red tip.
In non-breeding plumage, the black hood fades, leaving a dark mask across the eye.

Diet

Pallas’s Gulls are omnivorous and predatory.
They primarily feed on fish, including dead fish, but also consume insects, crustaceans, reptiles, other birds, and small mammals.

Conservation Status

The species is classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List, although habitat loss and wetland degradation remain long-term concerns.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

Location and Status

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in the Sahebganj district of Jharkhand.
It is the only bird sanctuary in the state and was designated a Ramsar Site in 2025.

Geographical Features

The sanctuary comprises two interconnected wetlands—Pataura Lake and Berhale Lake.
These lakes are part of the Ganga River floodplain and are surrounded by the Rajmahal Hills.

Biodiversity Significance

The sanctuary supports a rich ecosystem with over 146 bird species, including endangered birds such as the band-tailed fish eagle, lesser adjutant stork, and common pochard.

It also harbours diverse aquatic plants, fish, reptiles, and mammals, including fishing cats and otters.

Migratory Importance

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary lies along the Central Asian Flyway, making it an important wintering and stopover site for migratory birds, including rare species like the Pallas’s Gull.