Laughing Gull Spotted in Kerry—First Irish Sighting in 5 Years

A rare visitor from across the Atlantic has made an appearance on the Dingle Peninsula this week, with a laughing gull spotted in Kerry for the first time in five years.

The gull, a striking black-headed seabird more commonly seen along the eastern coasts of North and Central America, was reported three times this week on IrishBirding.com, the most recent being earlier today. The sightings have sparked excitement among birdwatchers and ornithologists, given the species’ rarity on Irish shores.

The last recorded appearance of a laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) in Ireland was in July 2020, when one was observed at North Bull Island in Dublin. Sightings here are few and far between, making this week’s observations along the Kerry coast particularly noteworthy.

Known for its distinctive cackling call—hence the name—the laughing gull is a medium-sized bird with a bold black head in summer plumage, white underparts, and a slate-grey back. It typically breeds along the eastern seaboard of the United States and migrates south to the Caribbean and parts of South America in winter.

How this individual reached Ireland remains a mystery, but occasional transatlantic vagrants are known to occur, often blown off course during storms or following shipping routes.

Birdwatchers along the west coast are being encouraged to keep an eye out for further sightings, as the gull may remain in the area over the coming days.