ExploreBirds

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

The American Herring Gull is a large bird often seen near oceans and lakes. They have gray wings and a white body, and they love to squawk and search for food.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The American Herring Gull has a bright white head and body with light gray wings tipped in black. Its stout yellow bill features a distinctive red spot on the lower mandible, making it easily recognizable among other gulls.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
American Herring Gull
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American Herring Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A Herring Gull can drink both fresh and saltwater, thanks to special glands!

The oldest recorded American Herring Gull lived for over 30 years!

Their fluffy chicks are camouflaged with brown spots to hide from predators.

They are known to drop hard-shelled food, like clams, from high in the sky to crack them open!

Special abilities

Ability

Strong Beak Power

American Herring Gull can crack open tough shells because of its powerful, hooked beak and strong jaw muscles.

Ability

Sharp Aerial Vision

American Herring Gull can spot tiny food from high above because of its excellent eyesight that helps them forage efficiently.

Ability

Adaptable Eating Gape

American Herring Gull can swallow surprisingly large items whole because of its wide gape and flexible throat muscles.

Ability

Fluid Water Prowess

American Herring Gull has webbed feet that help them paddle and float effortlessly while searching for food on water.

Measurements & details

Length
56-66 cm
Wingspan
137-152 cm
Weight
0.8-1.5 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
2-3
Incubation
25-30 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

This clever bird eats almost anything it can find, from fish to discarded snacks!

Age differences: Young gulls are fed by parents and gradually learn to forage on their own for various foods.

Primary Foods

  • fish
  • crustaceans
  • insects
  • eggs
  • carrion
  • human refuse

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't feed the gulls, as they can become too friendly and might grab your food!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is American Herring Gull?

56-66 cm

What is American Herring Gull's wingspan?

137-152 cm

How much does American Herring Gull weigh?

0.8-1.5 kg

How long does American Herring Gull live?

15-20 years

How fast can American Herring Gull move?

60 km/h

What does American Herring Gull eat?

This clever bird eats almost anything it can find, from fish to discarded snacks!

Where is American Herring Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

How does American Herring Gull hunt?

Foraging

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