When people ask about the unique birding experience in Barbados – a country with just one endemic bird, limited native nesters, and fewer woodlands or wetlands – I often compare it to a box of Cracker Jacks. Just like those surprise-filled snacks, birding here is full of unexpected treasures. Or, as a birding Forrest Gump might say, "Birding in Barbados is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you'll find."
On June 20th, I made a brief stop at the Pile Bay fishing complex in St. Michael, and stumbled upon an unexpected treasure! A pale-looking gull perched on a buoy, noticeably larger than the surrounding Laughing Gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla), caught my eye. Initially, I thought it might be a Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), a yearly visitor to Barbados. However, its size seemed off - bigger than the Laughing Gulls but smaller than the Lesser Black-backs. Because of its pale back, black bill mark, and size, I leaned towards a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis), but doubt lingered. I Shared a photo with our local birding group, and received an unexpected response from our resident expert, Ed Massiah: "Audouin's Gull!". While thrilled, he emphasized the need for a live sighting to confirm the identification due to my photo quality, which was a cell phone shot on my camera display. On hearing that I sent the photo to Nigel Lallsingh, a friend in Trinidad who is familiar with the species after discovering the first record for Trinidad (and the entire Western Hemisphere) in 2016. His reply was – "Looks like a second-winter Audouin's Gull!" Later that day, Ed saw the bird and confirmed it to be an Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii)! This incredible sighting did not only marked the 283rd recorded avian species for Barbados (Clements) but also a historic first sighting of the species for the entire West Indies!
Audouin's Gull between two Laughing Gulls ay Pile Bay
About the Audouin's Gull
Audouin's Gulls are medium-sized gulls, measuring about 17-24 inches (44-60 cm) in length with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet (142 cm). Adults have a light grey body with a paler white head. Their light gray wings have black tips and lack the white spots common in many other gulls. They boast a dark red bill and dark gray legs. Juveniles have a mottled brown body with a distinct white rump patch. These birds are primarily coastal, inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. They winter along the southern and western African coasts and the Iberian Peninsula.
Audouin's Gulls
This unexpected encounter perfectly exemplifies the thrill of birding in Barbados. You never know what fascinating feathered wonder you might find next!
Stay safe and enjoy your birding!
