Ivory Gull vs Short-billed Gull

The Ivory Gull is a strikingly white bird with a unique appearance, while the Short-billed Gull is a small, white-headed gull with more typical gull features. The Ivory Gull's pure white plumage is its most distinctive feature, contrasting with the Short-billed Gull's more varied plumage. Both species occupy different habitats, with the Ivory Gull being more associated with icy environments.

Look for the pure white plumage of the Ivory Gull as the most reliable field mark. The Short-billed Gull will have more typical gull plumage with gray and black tones. Consider the habitat: Ivory Gulls are more likely in icy, Arctic areas, while Short-billed Gulls are found in coastal and estuarine environments.

The Ivory Gull is entirely white, which is a key distinguishing feature. In contrast, the Short-billed Gull, while also a white-headed gull, has a more varied plumage with gray and black markings typical of many gulls.

Ivory Gulls are typically found in icy, Arctic environments, whereas Short-billed Gulls are more adaptable, found along beaches, river estuaries, and other coastal areas, especially during winter.