ExploreBirds

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

Bonaparte's Gull is a small, graceful bird with a black cap on its head and white wings. It loves to glide over water and is often seen near lakes and rivers, making it a delightful sight for bird watchers!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Bonaparte's Gull is a small, slender gull. In breeding season, it has a distinctive sooty-black head and a bright white triangle on the outer wing. During winter, its head turns white, marked only by a small dark spot behind the eye.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusChroicocephalus
Bonaparte's Gull
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgefilter_feeder trait badgegliding trait badge
Bonaparte's Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

7

Interesting facts

Bonaparte's Gulls are one of the smallest gulls, barely larger than a robin!

These gulls build their nests in trees, unlike most other gull species!

They have a tiny black 'ear spot' behind their eye during winter.

They often dip their bills into the water while flying, scooping up tiny snacks!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Insect Hunter

Bonaparte's Gulls can deftly catch flying insects mid-air because of their agile flight and quick reflexes.

Ability

Seasonal Disguise

Bonaparte's Gulls have unique plumage that changes dramatically with the seasons, signaling breeding status and aiding camouflage.

Ability

Cooperative Fisher

Bonaparte's Gulls can often be seen fishing alongside other bird species, indicating social foraging strategies that help them find prey.

Measurements & details

Length
28-35 cm
Wingspan
76-79 cm
Weight
0.14-0.25 kg
Lifespan
10-18 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
22-24 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These gulls enjoy a diverse diet of insects, tiny fish, and other small aquatic creatures!

Primary Foods

  • midges
  • small crustaceans
  • capelin
  • herring
  • marine worms
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcons may hunt adult Bonaparte's Gulls.

eaten by

bloodworm midge

Chironomus plumosus

Adult midges are a significant food source for these gulls.

eaten by

Capelin

Mallotus villosus

Small schooling Capelin fish are often caught by Bonaparte's Gulls.

Traits

Also known as

Bonaparte Gull

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Bonaparte's Gull?

The easiest way to identify Bonaparte's Gull is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Bonaparte's Gull?

28-35 cm

What is Bonaparte's Gull's wingspan?

76-79 cm

How much does Bonaparte's Gull weigh?

0.14-0.25 kg

How long does Bonaparte's Gull live?

10-18 years

How fast can Bonaparte's Gull move?

40 km/h

What does Bonaparte's Gull eat?

These gulls enjoy a diverse diet of insects, tiny fish, and other small aquatic creatures!

Where is Bonaparte's Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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