Common name: White-eyed Gull (النورس أبيض العين)
Scientific name: Larus leucophthalmus
Family: Laridae

Size:
Body length: 39–43 cm
Wingspan: 100–110 cm
Weight: approximately 350–450 g

Identification:
A medium-sized gull with a distinctive dark slate-grey body and a striking white eye that stands out clearly against the darker head. The bill and legs are bright red, while the wings show darker outer feathers with white markings visible in flight. Compared with many other gulls, it appears elegant and compact, with a smooth grey mantle and contrasting blackish wing tips.

Habitat:
Primarily associated with coastal marine environments including coral reefs, offshore islands, lagoons, and sheltered bays. It often frequents rocky islets and sandy islands used for breeding, typically remaining close to warm tropical waters.

Status in the UAE:
Uncommon visitor recorded mainly along the eastern coastline and occasionally in northern coastal waters. The species is largely restricted to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and its appearance in the UAE represents movements from its core range.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on small fish, marine invertebrates, crustaceans, and occasionally scavenged food. It typically feeds by picking prey from the water surface or by making short dips while flying.

Behavior:
A coastal seabird often seen flying low over the sea or resting on offshore islands and sandbanks. Outside the breeding season it may gather in small groups, frequently associating with other gulls or seabirds around productive feeding areas.

Conservation status:
Listed as Least Concern globally, though its relatively restricted range means the species depends heavily on the protection of undisturbed coastal breeding islands and healthy marine ecosystems.