Dolphin Gull vs Olrog's Gull

In short

The Dolphin Gull is best identified by its bright red bulbous bill and dusky grey head and underparts, while Olrog's Gull has a more typical gull appearance with a less distinctive bill. Both species are found in coastal areas but differ in specific habitat preferences and feeding behaviors.

Identification tips

1. Look for the bright red bulbous bill on the Dolphin Gull. 2. Note the dark gray hood and whitish belly of the Dolphin Gull, absent in Olrog's Gull. 3. Observe habitat: Dolphin Gulls are more likely near human activity, while Olrog's Gulls are found in crab-rich coastal areas. 4. Consider behavior: Dolphin Gulls often scavenge around marine mammals, unlike Olrog's Gulls.

Size

Both species are medium-sized gulls, but specific size differences are not prominent in the field.

Plumage

Dolphin Gull has a dark gray hood, whitish belly, and slaty-brown wing coverts. Olrog's Gull lacks these distinctive features and has a more typical gull plumage with no dark hood.

Behaviour

Dolphin Gulls are often seen scavenging around marine mammals and human activity, while Olrog's Gull primarily feeds on crabs and is less associated with human environments.

Habitat

Dolphin Gulls are found along rocky coastlines near fresh water and human activity, whereas Olrog's Gulls prefer estuarine and coastal areas with soft substrates, particularly where crabs are present.