Larus smithsonianus, also known as the American Herring Gull, is a large, robust seabird found along North American coastlines and inland waters. It has a distinctive pale gray back, white underparts, and a heavy yellow bill with a red spot. Known for its adaptability, it feeds on a varied diet ranging from fish to human refuse.

The American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) is native to North America. Its geographical distribution spans across the northern hemisphere, primarily in the United States and Canada. During the breeding season, it is commonly found in the northern parts of the continent, including the Great Lakes region, the Atlantic provinces in Canada, and parts of the northeastern United States. In the non-breeding season, it migrates southward along the Atlantic Coast, reaching as far as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

The American Herring Gull typically inhabits coastal regions, including beaches, estuaries, and nearshore islands. It is also found inland around large lakes and rivers. The species is adapted to a variety of environmental conditions, from the cool climates of the northern U.S. and Canada to the warmer regions of the southern U.S. during migration.

Larus smithsonianus occupies a generalist ecological niche. It is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a wide range of food items such as fish, invertebrates, small mammals, and human refuse. This adaptability allows it to thrive in both natural and human-altered environments, including urban areas where food resources are readily available.