New longevity record for Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea) and evidence of Natal philopatry

Abstract

Ivory gulls (Pagophila eburnea) have been listed as "endangered" in Canada and "near threatened" internationally. In June 2010, we visited Seymour Island, Nunavut, Canada, where gulls were banded in the 1970s and 1980s. We recaptured and released two breeding gulls banded as chicks in 1983, confirming natal philopatry to this breeding colony. These gulls are more than 28 years old, making the ivory gull one of the longest-living marine bird species known in North America.