General

Western Gull: Large gull with gray upperparts and white head, neck, tail and underparts. Eyes are yellow. Bill is bright yellow with red spot near tip; legs and feet are pale pink. Upper wings are gray, white-edged and have white-spotted black tips. Sexes are similar. Winter adult has faint brown streaks on lower nape. Juvenile is brown with darker brown wings and tail, pale, finely barred rump and black bill. 1st winter resembles juvenile but begins to show pale base on lower mandible; 1st summer is paler. 2nd winter has gray on back and upperwings, brown streaks on head and neck, black tail, and black-tipped yellow bill. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has brown markings around eyes, heavier streaking on lower nape, and black spot near tip of yellow bill. Interbreeds with Glaucous-winged Gull.

Range and Habitat

Western Gull: Breeds on Pacific coast from Washington to Baja California. During winter, regularly occurs north to British Columbia. Preferred habitats include coastal waterways, beaches, harbors, dumps, and open ocean.

Breeding and Nesting

Western Gull: Lays one to six buff to olive gray eggs with dark brown blotches in a grass- or seaweed-lined depression, slightly protected by broken terrain. Usually nest in colonies on rocky headlands, islands, or dikes. Incubation ranges from 25 to 32 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Western Gull: Diet consists of clams, crabs, sea urchins, young birds, seabird eggs, small vertebrates, and carrion. Aggressively challenges other birds for food.

Vocalization

Western Gull: Emits squeals and raucous notes.

Similar Species

Western Gull: Yellow-footed Gull is slightly larger, has yellow legs and feet, and has a paler back. Glaucous-winged Gull has paler back, gray primaries, and dark eye with red orbital ring.