California Gull
Larus californicus
Medium-sized gull, a bit larger than Ring-billed Gull and smaller than Herring Gull. Adults have medium-gray upperparts (slightly darker than Herring Gull), and red and black markings on the bill. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Many immatures show a pink bill with a contrasting black tip, and dull pinkish or greenish-gray legs. Always note dark eye. Common and fairly widespread in western North America, inland and along the coast. Can be found at parking lots, beaches, or lakes, often in flocks with Herring and Ring-billed Gulls.
Identification
Adults are similar in appearance to the herring gull, but have a smaller yellow bill with a black ring, yellow legs, brown eyes and a more rounded head. The body is mainly white with grey back and upper wings. They have black primaries with white tips. Immature birds are also similar in appearance to immature herring gulls, with browner plumage than immature ring-billed gulls. Length can range from 46 to 55 cm (18 to 22 in), the wingspan 122–137 cm (48–54 in)[citation needed] and body mass can vary from 430 to 1,045 g (0.948 to 2.304 lb).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Larus californicus
- Authority
- Lawrence, 1854
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Laridae
- Genus
- Larus
Range and habitat
Their breeding habitat is lakes and marshes in interior western North America from the Northwest Territories, Canada south to eastern California and Colorado. They nest in colonies, sometimes with other birds. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with vegetation and feathers. The female usually lays 2 or 3 eggs. Both parents take turns feeding their chicks.<p>They are migratory, most moving to the Pacific coast in winter. It is only then that this bird is regularly found in western California.
- Breeding range
- NA : c Northwest Territories to c Manitoba (c Canada) to ne South Dakota; e Washington to Montana and s to Colorado and c California
- Non-breeding range
- e North Pacific coast from s British Columbia (sw Canada) to wc Mexico
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
These birds forage in flight or pick up objects while swimming, walking or wading. They mainly eat insects, fish and the eggs and young of other birds, especially ducklings. Opportunistic feeders, they also scavenge at garbage dumps, marinas and docks. They frequently beg for food at public beaches, parks and other locations where people will hand feed them. They have been known to steal food directly from people at picnics and outdoor restaurants. They may follow fishing boats or plows in fields for insects stirred up by this activity.<p>California gulls are also known to eat various vegetables and fruits, particularly cherries. As a result, in some areas it may be regarded as a crop pest.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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