Species Profile
American Herring Gull
Larus smithsonianus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
20–30 years
Length
53–65 cm
Weight
600–1650 g
Wingspan
120–150 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Smithsonian Gull, Arctic Herring Gull
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Appearance
The American Herring Gull is a large, robust seabird with a distinctive white head and body, pale gray back and wings, and black wingtips. Its yellow bill features a red spot on the lower mandible, and it has pink legs.
Juveniles display mottled brown plumage, gradually transitioning to adult coloration over four years. Winter adults may show faint brown streaking on the head.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
American Herring Gulls are primarily found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from the Arctic to Florida. They also inhabit the Great Lakes region and parts of the Pacific Northwest.
During the breeding season, they prefer coastal areas and islands. In winter, many birds move south, with some remaining in northern regions where open water persists. They are common in urban areas near water bodies in the USA and Canada.
Distribution
Diet
American Herring Gulls have a varied diet, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and insects. They also consume carrion and human food waste.
These adaptable birds are known to steal food from other birds and even small mammals, showcasing their opportunistic feeding strategy.
Behaviour
American Herring Gulls are opportunistic feeders, often seen following fishing boats or scavenging in urban areas. They exhibit complex social behaviors, including elaborate courtship displays and communal roosting.
These gulls are known for their ability to drop hard-shelled prey from heights to crack them open.
Calls & Sounds
The American Herring Gull has a diverse vocal repertoire. Their most recognizable call is a loud, laughing 'ha-ha-ha' or 'kyow-kyow-kyow'.
They also produce a variety of mewing, yelping, and long-calling sounds, especially during breeding season and territorial disputes.
Nesting & Breeding
American Herring Gulls form monogamous pairs and breed annually. The breeding season typically begins in April or May, with courtship involving elaborate displays and vocalizations.
Nests are built on the ground in colonies, often on rocky shores or islands. They construct a shallow scrape lined with vegetation, feathers, and debris. Females lay 2-3 olive-colored eggs with dark splotches.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 28 days. Chicks fledge at 6-7 weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
While the American Herring Gull is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Efforts to reduce plastic waste in oceans and protect coastal nesting sites are crucial for their long-term survival.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include large raptors such as Bald Eagles and Great Horned Owls, as well as foxes, raccoons, and minks that target eggs and chicks.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large gulls with pale gray backs along coastal areas and large inland water bodies
- Observe their yellow bills with red spots to distinguish them from similar species
- Listen for their loud, laughing 'ha-ha-ha' calls
- In the US and Canada, check garbage dumps and fishing ports where they often gather in large numbers
Did You Know?
- American Herring Gulls can drink both fresh and salt water thanks to special glands that remove excess salt.
- They can live for over 30 years in the wild, with the oldest recorded individual reaching 49 years.
- These gulls are highly intelligent and have been observed using tools to crack open mollusks.
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