Ivory gulls, Pagophila eburnea, and ice edges in Davis Strait and the Labrador Sea.

Abstract

The seasonal occurrence and distribution of ivory gulls in Davis Strait and the Labrador Sea may be explained by food concentrations along the pack ice edge and by reduced light levels and biological production to the north. This species, which breeds father north and east, was absent only during the short ice-free period from late June to late October. From February-June, and probably longer, gulls were concentrated near the ice edge, where they fed on lanternfishes (Myctophidae) during April and May in Davis Strait. Hooded seal Cystophora cristata remains may be seasonally important. About 35 000 ivory gulls may have been present in Davis Strait during March. -from Authors