Franklins gull
Larus pipixcan
Fun Fact: Sightings of Franklin's gull (Larus pipixcan) in Namibia are rare and are confined to sheltered coastal lagoons and sewage ponds.
Introduction: Sightings of Franklin's gull (Larus pipixcan) in Namibia are rare and are confined to sheltered coastal lagoons and sewage ponds. They can often be observed foraging and roosting with Hartlaub's and grey-headed gulls.
Distribution: Sighted regularly each year at Walvis Bay.
Diet: Forages for fish by swimming in shallow water.
Description: Pipixcan is a Mexican word, the equivalent from Spanish being apipizca which translates to 'gull'. They have a distinctive black hood which extends from the throat to the back of the neck. Often confused with the common black-headed gull which is paler above.
Breeding: Females lay between 2 and 4 eggs
Size: 35cm.
Weight: 280g.
Wingspan: 90cm.
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