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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > BIRDS
Larus occidentalis
At first glance, the western gull may appear very similar to the herring gull with a predominately white head and body and gray wings. The bill is yellow with a red subterminal spot at the tip of it. This spot is a visual device which gull chicks will target in order to learn feeding behavior.
Like other gulls, the western gull is an opportunistic feeder. Will hunt on their own, scavenge dead animals or steal from other birds. They may plunge into the water from flight for fish and drop clams and crabs to break them open. They are commonly seen nesting near seabird colonies so they can steal unguarded eggs and chicks. They will also hang out near sea lion colonies and eat dead pups. Western gulls have also been recorded stealing the milk of lactating seals while they are sleeping. When food is scarce, birds will eat human refuse.
These gulls will nest from late April to early May in colonies, usually on the ground or on rocky cliffs. Eggs are incubated 25-29 days. Young remain with parent(s) for one to two months. Juvenile and immature birds congregate in areas where food is reliably obtained, such as intertidal areas and human refuse dumps.
Range and Habitat
The western gull is a large gull with a range spanning from across the western coast from the tip of the Baja Peninsula to Vancouver, British Columbia. Colorations vary seasonally and between juveniles, adults and subadults.
Conservation Status
Common.
Larus occidentalis
At first glance, the western gull may appear very similar to the herring gull with a predominately white head and body and gray wings. The bill is yellow with a red subterminal spot at the tip of it. This spot is a visual device which gull chicks will target in order to learn feeding behavior.
Like other gulls, the western gull is an opportunistic feeder. Will hunt on their own, scavenge dead animals or steal from other birds. They may plunge into the water from flight for fish and drop clams and crabs to break them open. They are commonly seen nesting near seabird colonies so they can steal unguarded eggs and chicks. They will also hang out near sea lion colonies and eat dead pups. Western gulls have also been recorded stealing the milk of lactating seals while they are sleeping. When food is scarce, birds will eat human refuse.
These gulls will nest from late April to early May in colonies, usually on the ground or on rocky cliffs. Eggs are incubated 25-29 days. Young remain with parent(s) for one to two months. Juvenile and immature birds congregate in areas where food is reliably obtained, such as intertidal areas and human refuse dumps.
Range and Habitat
The western gull is a large gull with a range spanning from across the western coast from the tip of the Baja Peninsula to Vancouver, British Columbia. Colorations vary seasonally and between juveniles, adults and subadults.
Conservation Status
Common.
