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American Herring Gull
The American Herring Gull (*Larus smithsonianus*) is a large, common gull found throughout North America. It is a highly adaptable bird, thriving in diverse environments from coastal areas to inland lakes and even urban settings. Known for its opportunistic feeding habits and complex social behaviors, the American Herring Gull plays a significant role in its ecosystems, both as a scavenger and a predator of smaller organisms. It is readily identifiable by its white head, gray back, and black wingtips with white spots, though plumage varies by age.
56-66 cm
Length
120-150 cm
Wingspan
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Distribution
Breeds across much of North America, from Alaska and Canada south to the Great Lakes region and the northeastern United States. Winters along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, and throughout much of the southern US and Mexico. Some populations are resident year-round.
Lifespan
Highly variable; can exceed 20 years in the wild, with records of individuals living over 30 years.
American Herring Gull's Habitat
Habitat Types
Coastal beaches, Estuaries, Mudflats, Rocky shorelines, Lakes, Rivers, Reservoirs, Landfills, Agricultural fields
Climate Zones
Arctic, Subarctic, Temperate, Subtropical
Adaptations
American Herring Gulls are highly adaptable to various food sources and environments. They possess strong flight capabilities for long-distance migration and foraging. Their webbed feet aid in swimming, and their relatively large size allows them to compete effectively for resources.
Variations
Some authorities recognize subtle regional variations, but there are no universally accepted subspecies. Birds in different regions may show slight differences in size and plumage darkness.
Appearance
Breeding Plumage
Adults in breeding plumage have a clean white head, neck, breast, and belly, with a light gray back and upperwings. Non-breeding adults develop dusky streaking on the head and neck. It takes four years to reach adult plumage.
Seasonal Feather Changes
The primary seasonal variation is the presence or absence of head streaking in adults. Juvenile and immature birds have complex patterns of brown, gray, and white that change gradually with each molt.
Sex Based Plumage Differences
Adult males and females have similar plumage, although subtle differences in bill and eye color may be discernible to experienced observers.
Notable Features
Black wingtips with white spots ('mirrors'), Yellow bill with a red spot on the lower mandible, Pink legs, Yellow eyes (in adults)
Diet and Feeding
Primary Foods
Fish, Crustaceans, Mollusks, Insects, Carrion, Garbage, Eggs, Small birds, Rodents
Foraging Behavior
Highly varied, including scavenging, active predation, and kleptoparasitism (stealing food from other birds). They may drop hard-shelled prey onto rocks to break them open. They forage on land, in the air, and on the water's surface.
Specializations
Their strong bills allow them to handle a wide range of prey items. They are adept at exploiting human-provided food sources, such as landfills and fishing discards.
Seasonal Diet Variations
Diet shifts depending on food availability. During breeding season, they may focus more on fish and marine invertebrates. In winter, they may rely more on scavenging and readily available food sources like garbage.
Behavior
Social Structure
Highly social, often found in large flocks, especially outside of the breeding season. They breed in colonies, which can range from a few pairs to thousands of birds.
Communication
Loud, raucous calls, including a 'keow' call and a long, drawn-out 'ky-aah', Head-tossing and bowing displays, Bill-pointing and aggressive postures
Migration
Many populations are migratory, moving south from breeding grounds to warmer areas for the winter. Some populations, particularly in coastal areas, are resident year-round.
Territorial or Group Behaviors
Highly territorial during the breeding season, defending their nesting sites from intruders. Outside of breeding, they often form large communal roosts.
Conservation
Threats
Habitat loss and degradation (particularly of coastal breeding areas), Pollution (including plastic ingestion and oil spills), Climate change (affecting prey availability and sea levels), Human disturbance at breeding colonies, Entanglement in fishing gear
Protection Programs
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (in the US), Various state and provincial wildlife regulations, Conservation efforts focused on protecting coastal habitats
Local National Laws
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and similar legislation in Canada.
Population Trend
Stable
Population Estimates
The global population is estimated to be in the millions.
Interesting Facts
They are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
Studies have shown they can learn and remember complex foraging techniques.
They can drink both fresh and salt water.
They have specialized salt glands above their eyes that allow them to excrete excess salt.
They are sometimes referred to as 'sea gulls', although this term is not specific to any one species.
The term 'sea gull' is often used informally to refer to any gull species found near the coast.
Faqs about American Herring Gull
Are American Herring Gulls endangered?
No, they are currently classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN.
What do American Herring Gulls eat?
They have a very broad diet, including fish, crustaceans, insects, carrion, garbage, and sometimes even small birds and eggs.
Where do American Herring Gulls nest?
They typically nest on the ground in coastal areas, often on islands or cliffs, but also on rooftops in some urban areas.
How can I differentiate an immature American Herring Gull from an adult?
Immature gulls have a mottled brown and gray plumage that gradually transitions to the adult white and gray plumage over four years. The bill and eye color also change with age.
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