Other Scientific Names
Gabianus scoresbii [Stotz et al. (1996)], Larus scoresbii [BirdLife International (2004)], Larus scoresbii [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)]
Derivation
lëüc-o-phae'-us - Gk, leucos, white; Gk, phaios, grey, referring to the general color of gulls: - in honour of William Scorsby (1789 - 1857), English explorer of the Arctic
Argentina (B), Chile (B), Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (B).
Vagrant to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Southern South America, from south-central Chile (Chiloé I) and south-central Argentina (Punta Tombo, Chubut) to Tierra del Fuego; also Falkland Is. Outside breeding season, occurs slightly further northern on both mainland coasts.
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 28,000 (2010).
Status LC
Habitat destruction and modification due to development, including aquaculture, and possible predation by introduced cats, rats and mink, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Dolphin Gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii) [XC861234]
by id from Punta Arenas, Magallanes, Magallanes y la Ant\u00e1rtica Chilena, Chile (flight call)
Dolphin Gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii) [XC89432]
by Barry Edmonston from Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego, XII Region, Chile (call)
Subspecies
Sometimes combined with Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) in genus Gabianus on basis of strongly hooked bill, but unique behaviour, plumage and chick pattern advocate placement in monospecific genus. Probably most closely related to Band-tailed Gull (Larus belcheri) and Olrog's Gull (Larus atlanticus) or to Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet