Larus occidentalis
The Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) is a large, robust seabird commonly found along the Pacific Coast of North America, distinguished by its dark gray mantle and bright yellow bill with a prominent red subterminal spot. Adults typically measure 58-69 cm (23-27 in) in length, with a wingspan of 137-147 cm (54-58 in) and a weight ranging from 800-1400 g (1.8-3.1 lbs), with males generally being larger than females. Its overall white head and underparts contrast sharply with its dark back and ...
Primarily a coastal marine bird, inhabiting rocky islands, sandy beaches, estuaries, harbors, and urban waterfronts, typically at low elevations.
Highly omnivorous and opportunistic, consuming fish, marine invertebrates (crabs, squid, mussels), bird eggs and chicks, small mammals, carrion, human refuse, and occasionally insects; primary foraging methods are scavenging and opportunistic predation.
Western Gulls are diurnal, spending nights roosting in large, gregarious flocks on beaches, rock outcrops, or offshore, often near human development. They are highly opportunistic and versatile foragers, employing techniques such as surface-seizing, aerial hawking, probing in soft substrates, and...
The Western Gull breeds exclusively along the Pacific Coast of North North America, from central Washington south through Oregon, California, and Baja California, Mexico. Breeding colonies are predominantly located on offshore islands, remote sea stacks, and cliffs, though some mainland coastal s...
Least Concern
- Western Gulls are renowned kleptoparasites, often stealing food directly from other seabirds like pelicans and cormorants. - They are one of the few bird species capable of drinking saltwater, possessing specialized salt glands above their eyes to excrete excess salt. - The distinctive red spot...