southern part of its range. Wintering birds are typically found at river mouths and sand beaches along the coast. Behavior Feeding In the mountains the Andean gull feeds on earthworms, insects, amphibians, small fish, and occasionally eggs and chicks of waterbirds. In winter it also scavenges at ski resorts. Along the coast it feeds on offal, fish, and marine invertebrates. It walks, swims, and flys to seek food. Breeding The Andean gull breeds mostly during July and August. It sometimes breeds solitarily but more usually in small colonies. It nests along riverbanks and on islands in them and in lakes. The clutch size is usually two or three eggs but one or four are sometimes laid. The incubation period, time to fledging, and details of parental care are not known. Vocalization The Andean gull's vocalizations include "agitated, sometimes tremulous “yeeer” calls" and "a hoarse “raggh-aggh-keeaagh” and other low raspy notes." Status The IUCN has assessed the Andean gull as being of Least Concern. It has a large range but its population size and trend are not known. No immediate threats have been identified. "The species is probably vulnerable, with no large populations...breeding areas are in remote high-altitude lakes but many are increasingly subject to agricultural pressure and human disturbance." Gallery References Andean gull Birds of the Andes Andean gull Taxonomy articles created by Polbot Taxobox binomials not recognized by IUCN Taxa named by Johann Jakob von Tschudi