Swallow-tailed gull

Creagrus furcatus

On landLeast concern

The swallow-tailed gull is the only fully nocturnal gull in the world, foraging at night for squid and fish that rise to the surface. Large eyes with a reflective layer aid its night vision. It breeds mainly in the Galápagos, with one small population on Malpelo Island, Colombia.

Best time to see it

Breeds on a roughly nine- to ten-month non-annual cycle, so nesting pairs can be found in most months rather than one fixed season.

Where to see it

Darwin Bay
Genovesa · Common sighting
Prince Philip’s Steps
Genovesa · Common sighting
Punta Suárez
Española · Likely sighting
South Plaza
South Plaza · Common sighting

Cruises to see this species

B SOUTHVisits 6 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"E" itineraryVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
8 days (A)Visits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Born of FireVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"A" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"B" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (A)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (C)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B5 SOUTHVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
"D" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
A - North Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
C - East Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CM/V: Española & Floreana ExpeditionVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
A NORTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B4 SOUTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
"C" itineraryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
A - North Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
A4 NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary B4Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos