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Scissor-tailed Gull
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
SWALLOW-TAILED GULL
Creagrus furcatus
The Swallow-tailed Gull is a near-endemic breeding bird of the Galápagos Islands, although a few pairs nest on Malpelo Island off the coast of Colombia. When not breeding, it is totally pelagic, flying and hunting over the open oceans, and migrating eastward to the coasts of Ecuador and Peru.
The Swallow-tailed Gull is unique among the gulls in feeding exclusively nocturnally, mostly on fish and squid which rise to the surface at night to feed on plankton. It leaves the colony as a flock at dusk, with a great deal of screaming and display.
The Swallow-tailed Gull breeds from about 5 years old, with pairs frequently staying together from year to year. Most breed throughout the year in mixed colonies on the cliffs of the Galápagos Islands sometimes on flat areas, and food for the young is hunted from the seas near to the nesting colonies. The nest is made on a small platform on a cliff, usually less than 10 m above sea level, by covering the rocky ground with small pieces of lava, white coral, and sea urchin spines, which prevent the egg from rolling. Nesting birds tend to face the cliff, a habit common among exclusively cliff nesting gulls, such as the Black-legged Kittiwake. The female usually lays one speckled egg per breeding attempt. They are asynchronous breeders (can breed any time of the year), and follow a nine-month cycle, or less if an egg or chick is unsuccessful. The egg is generally incubated for 31–34 days. A chick takes its first flight at about 60–70 days old, and is fed by the adults until about 90 days, when it leaves the land, possibly with the adults, to live over the open seas.
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- aruntp
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 590 W: 1 N: 357]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(5379) - [2014-02-20 18:57]
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wonderful bird species. nicely focused and good clarity. good work.
Hi Manyee, Its been a log time :-). Lovely picture of this beautiful bird , the eye's stand out and the dark BG makes this a beautiful picture to watch
TFS,
Goutham Ramesh
Hi Manyee,
I am very much impressed seeing your such wonderful presentation.
Biswarup
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- lousat
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(65489) - [2014-02-21 11:51]
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HI Manye,the red circle around the eye caught immediatly the attention.Truly beautiful this capture,great quality and exposure,and a perfect pose like a movie star..eheh...i like it! Have a nice weekend and thanks,Luciano
Hello Mr.Manyee,
It was not evident in thumbnail.But after clicking can see an excellent picture of this Gull.Nice eyes with nice colour.
Thanks for sharing,
Regards and have a nice time,
Srikumar
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1519 W: 24 N: 2225]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(14408)