Unexpected Encounter with Egyptian Seagull in Antarctica

On Galindez Island, where Ukrainian polar researchers are stationed, an unusual event occurred. Near the "Akademik Vernadsky" station, scientists spotted a mysterious Egyptian seagull, a bird typically not found on icy continents.

This encounter happened during a marine expedition, as reported by the National Antarctic Scientific Center.

"A few scientists went to the dock, and suddenly something unusual appeared: I started taking photos before realizing what the bird was.

At first, I thought it was a heron since I have worked with wetland birds in Ukraine, and herons have a very distinctive silhouette. Later, I recognized it in the photos," recalls the researcher.

The polar explorers emphasized that despite Egyptian seagulls being a common species, they do not inhabit Antarctica. Therefore, seeing this bird near "Vernadsky" is "a true stroke of luck for biologists."

"Perhaps it’s because there are no favorite animals for them on this icy continent – hoofed mammals, which they love to perch on, such as elephants, buffaloes, horses, and zebras," joke the scientists at NANS.

Researchers noted that the Egyptian seagull originates from Africa, where it lived until the early 20th century. Later, this bird species migrated to the Western Hemisphere and even to Australia.

Currently, these birds inhabit both hemispheres, but they prefer tropical, subtropical, and some temperate regions.

The Egyptian seagull is small, measuring up to 50 centimeters in length with a wingspan of up to one meter. Its body is mostly covered in white feathers, but it has beige-yellow markings on its head, back, and throat.

Thanks to their association with hoofed mammals, Egyptian seagulls can easily find food – large insects that are more accessible when larger animals scare them in the grass. They also forage for food from the fur and skin of elephants, buffaloes, horses, and zebras.