Slaty-backed Gull

The Slaty-backed Gull is a large white-headed gull that breeds primarily on the Coral Archipelago but travels widely during nonbreeding seasons, reaching across the Skullstone Archipelago, Wavecrest, and the western Blessed Isle.

The Slaty-backed Gull is quite large, between 2 and 4 lbs. It has a white head, belly, and tail with a very dark slate-gray back and wings with a broad white trailing edge. The underside of the wings features a "string of pearls" pattern along their edges; these can be seen from below when the bird is in flight. Its eyes are yellow. The legs are pink and short when compared with those of similar-looking gulls, and the body appears more stout. The bill is yellow with orange-red subterminal spot. Immature gulls' plumage is brown.

Like other gulls, the Slaty-backed Gull is both a forager and a scavenger, employing highly variable methods, particularly following pods of whales to feast on the fish and other sea creatures they stir up from the depths. Due to the location of its breeding and primary range, it is seen by many sailors from Coral as a good luck sign of sorts, always leading the way home.