Species profile
Larus niveus
Larus niveus
Quick answer
Larus niveus Pallas, 1811 Pallas (1811: 320) described this form on the basis of specimens collected "in mari boreo et Camtschatico". The taxonomic meaning of Pallas's niveus is somewhat uncertain, although it is most probable that Pallas applied the name to the East Asian form of Larus canus (Stejneger 1885: 73–75; Saunders 1896: 279; but see Bruch 1855: 285 and Saunders 1878: 175). In any case, Larus niveus Pallas, 1811, is a junior primary homonym of Larus niveus Boddaert (1783: 58) = Pagophila eburnea (Phipps, 1774: 187) and of Larus niveus Ödmann (1783: 100) = Pagophila eburnea (Phipps) and thus cannot be used for the East Asian form of Larus canus (Art. 57.2 of the Code).
- Scientific name
- Larus niveus
- Family
- Laridae
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Genus
- Larus
Recording Larus niveus in your journal
When you see this bird, log the sighting with the date, the place and any photos. If it's your first, Feather Journal marks it as a lifer and adds it to your life list automatically — no spreadsheet, no re-typing.