Gulls (Laridae)

Dolphin Gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii) - HBW 3, p. 601

French: Goéland de Scoresby German: Blutschnabelmöwe Spanish: Gaviota Patagona
Other common names: Scoresby's Gull

Taxonomy: Larus Scoresbii Traill, 1823, South Shetland Islands (probably = Falkland Islands).
Recently placed in Larus by many authors. Sometimes combined withLarus 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 toL. belcheri andL. atlanticus, or to L. heermanni. Monotypic.

Distribution: S South America, from SC Chile (Chiloé I) and SC Argentina (Punta Tombo, Chubut) to Tierra del Fuego; also Falkland Is. Outside breeding season, occurs slightly further N on both mainland coasts.