ILLUSTRATION
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PHOTOS
CONSERVATION STATUS
The Western Gull is a large gull which resides mainly on the west coast of North America. Its range extends from Washington and British Columbia to Baja California. This bird is rarely seen inland, and nests on offshore islands and rock coasts. Small colonies also are found on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Nests are built on the ground or in crevices between rocks, and the usual lifespan is 15 year. The typical diet of the Western Gull consists of fish, krill, squid, jellyfish and other small invertebrates. The current conservation rating of the Western Gull is Least Concern.
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SUMMARY
Overview
Western Gull: Large gull, gray upperparts, white head, neck, tail and underparts. Yellow eyes. Bright yellow bill with red spot near tip; Pale pink legs and feet. Gray upper wings, white-edged with white-spotted black tips. Direct flight, strong, steady wing beats, soars on thermals.
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.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to Call
Western Gull
Voice Text
"kuk, kuk, kuk"
INTERESTING FACTS
- The Western Gull was previously considered conspecific with the Yellow-footed Gull.
- They typically live 15 years, but can live to at least 25 years.
- It was one of the antagonists in Alfred Hitchcock's famous movie, The Birds, which was filmed in Bodega Bay, California.
- A group of gulls has many collective nouns, including a "flotilla", "gullery", "screech", "scavenging", and "squabble" of gulls.
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