Population status

Ross's Gull
(Rhodostethia rosea)

The Ross's Gull is very rare in Canada and breeds in remote arctic habitats, making it difficult to monitor. There are seven known nesting areas in Canada where Ross’s Gulls have bred since 1997, and which have been surveyed sporadically (Maftei et al. 2012). The abundance of Ross's Gulls recorded at these breeding sites has varied markedly over the years. However, although information is limited, the Canadian population does not appear to have declined in abundance relative to about 1970 (Environment Canada 2007a). This is similar to recent counts on the bulk of the world’s population, which migrates near Alaska (Maftei et al. 2014).

 

References