The Ivory Gull is an all-white gull of the High Arctic that rarely strays south to the US, usually after severe ice conditions force it out of its normal range. It is closely associated with sea ice and follows polar bears and feeding seals to scavenge remains. First-year birds are white with black flecking on the wings. Climate change is shrinking its sea-ice habitat.
Best time to see a Ivory Gull
The best time to see a Ivory Gull is January–March, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 116 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ivory Gull? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ivory Gull sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an Ivory Gull?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.