Gulls, Terns

Herring Gull, Larus argentatus

Family Laridae (Gulls, Terns)

Size: 25"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Wetlands, coastal beaches, fields

The widespread herring gull occurs across the North American continent. It is a large, relatively thin, white-headed gull with a pale-gray back and white underparts. The bill is thick and yellow, with a reddish spot at the tip of the lower mandible. The primaries are black with white-spotted tips. The nonbreeding adult has brown streaking across the nape and neck. The legs are pink, and the eyes are pale yellow to ivory colored. Herring gulls are opportunistic feeders, eating fish, worms, crumbs, and trash. They are known to drop shellfish from the air to crack open their shells. The nonbreeding adult (top) and breeding adult (bottom) are illustrated.