Mike Unwin

Swallow-tailed Gull

About the Swallow-tailed Gull

The swallow-tailed gull (Creagrus furcatus) is a remarkable seabird known for its striking appearance and unique behaviours.

Creagrus is derived from Greek, with "kreas" meaning "flesh" and "furcatus" refers to the forked shape of the tail.

The most striking feature is its long, forked tail, which is prominent and gives the bird its name. The tail feathers are slender and extend far beyond the body.

Swallow-tailed gulls breed year-round in the Galápagos, though the peak season is generally between April and August. Nests are built in crevices on cliffs or rocky outcrops. They often lay one egg, and both parents take turns incubating it for approximately 30 days.

After hatching, the chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated fish. The chicks fledge in about eight weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for some time.

Swallow-tailed gulls can live up to 10 years in the wild.

Commonality of Swallow-tailed Gulls

Highly common in their habitat.

Protection & Threats

The Galápagos National Park and Galápagos Marine Reserve play critical roles in protecting the natural habitat of the swallow-tailed gull. These protected areas help minimise human impact and ensure the integrity of the islands' ecosystems, including the species' nesting sites.

Climate Change

As ocean temperatures rise, the distribution of prey species may shift. Swallow-tailed gulls, which rely on marine life like fish and squid, could find it harder to access food. Warmer waters could also affect the abundance and availability of these food sources, particularly during the breeding season when adults need to feed their chicks.