A distinctly long-winged, long-billed gull of the East Asian coastline, breeding in Russia and Japan and wintering as far south as Taiwan and southeastern China; rare in Southeast Asia. Adult is dark-winged with a black and red tipped bill. Younger birds are dark overall with solid black wingtips, a flashing white rump, and a pale pink bill with a solid black tip. Gathers in large flocks throughout the year. Flight is more buoyant and graceful than other similarly sized gulls. Call reminiscent of a meowing cat.