Mew Gull - Larus canus

Mew Gull -- South Dakota Birds

Length: 16-18 inches	Wingspan: 42 inches	Seasonality: Rare Migrant
ID Keys: Yellow unmarked bill, greenish-yellow legs, white spots in wing tips

Mew Gull

Larus canus

A rare visitor to the state, the Mew Gull can be differentiated from similar gulls by the lack of any spots on its bill and its relatively small size. The name comes from the cat-like call it often gives. Other races of the Mew Gull are common in Eurasia.

Habitat: Most often found around wooded lakes and rivers when on its summer breeding grounds. In winter, found along the Pacific coastline, especially near river mouths and brackish lagoons.

Diet: Omnivorous. Primary diet is often dependent upon season and location. Common food items, include fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, earthworms, small rodents, young birds and eggs, berries, grain, carrion, and refuse.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Repeated Kee-ya or cat-like Mee-you.

Migrations: Summers throughout Northwestern Canada and Alaska. Winters along the Pacific Coast. Rarely migrates inland south of its breeding range, and is thus a rare visitor to South Dakota.

Similar Species: Ring-Billed Gull, California Gull

Status: Generally stable throughout its normal range.