ID Keys: Range on West Coast, heavy bill with red spot on lower
mandible, white with dark grey wings and back (adult), pink legs
The
Western Gull is well-named, as they are a species that is nearly always
found within just a few miles of the West Coast. Their range is large,
however, with breeding populations from the Pacific Coast of Baja California
up to Washington state. As a species, they have adapted well to a
human presence, and can be just as common in and around large West Coast
cities as around other more natural habitats.
Habitat
Found on a variety of habitats along the
West Coast of North America, but never strays more than a few miles inland.
They can sometimes be found relatively far out at sea, but most often stay
near the coast.
Diet
Feeds on many kinds of marine life,
including fish, squid, crustaceans, mollusks, eggs, young birds, sea
urchins, and carrion. Has adapted well to a human presence, and will
visit garbage dumps and other man-made features for refuse.
Behavior
Foraging techniques depend upon season
and location. Very adaptable, using a variety of techniques to take
advantage of what food is available.
Nesting
Western Gulls breed in colonies, most
often on islands off the West Coast, but also sometimes on cliff faces and
other inaccessible locations on the mainland. The nest is a simple
depression lined with vegetation. Three eggs are usually laid, and both
parents help to incubate them. Upon hatching, both parents will tend
to the young and feed them.
Song
A variety of vocalizations, similar to other
Larus gull species such as the Herring Gull.
Migration
Western Gulls are found in most of
their range at all times during the year. However, individual birds
may wander widely along the west coast of North America, and they are
typically only found in the far northern and far southern parts of their
range in the winter.
In range, similar to other Larus gulls. Mostly likely to be
confused with Herring Gull or
Thayer's Gull. At the northern end
of their range, identification can be problematic for some individual birds,
as they occasionally hybridize with
Glaucous-winged Gulls.
