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Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

Heermann's Gulls are beautiful birds with gray feathers and bright red bills. They love to hang out by the ocean and are great at catching fish!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Heermann's Gull has a distinctive dark grey body with a bright white head during breeding season, contrasting sharply with its vibrant red bill tipped in black. Its overall dark plumage and red bill make it easily stand out from other gulls.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
Heermann's Gull
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Heermann's Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

15

Interesting facts

Most Heermann's Gulls breed on a single island off Mexico called Isla Rasa! Wow!

Their white breeding heads turn dark grey in winter, making them look totally different! Wow!

These gulls are unique for flying *north* after breeding, then south for winter! Wow!

They often hang around Brown Pelicans, waiting to snatch fish right from their pouches! Wow!

Special abilities

Ability

Master Fisher

Heermann's Gull can dive into the ocean to catch fish because it has excellent eyesight and a strong, sharp bill.

Ability

Food Snatcher

Heermann's Gull can steal meals from other birds, like pelicans, because it is quick and opportunistic.

Ability

Reverse Migrator

Heermann's Gull has a unique post-breeding migration that takes it north first, then south for winter.

Measurements & details

Length
46-54 cm
Wingspan
120-134 cm
Weight
0.31-0.6 kg
Lifespan
12-18 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
1-4
Incubation
27-30 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat fish but aren't picky, often snatching snacks from other birds or scavenging!

Primary Foods

  • Pacific sardine
  • Northern anchovy
  • Squid
  • Crabs
  • Insects
  • Fish scraps

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Often follows them to steal fish.

eats

Pacific Sardine

Sardinops sagax

A primary food source for adults.

eats

Northern Anchovy

Engraulis mordax

Another key fish in their diet.

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

A powerful predator that hunts gulls.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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 Heermann's Gull?

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

How long is Heermann's Gull?

46-54 cm

What is Heermann's Gull's wingspan?

120-134 cm

How much does Heermann's Gull weigh?

0.31-0.6 kg

How long does Heermann's Gull live?

12-18 years

How fast can Heermann's Gull move?

55 km/h

What does Heermann's Gull eat?

They mostly eat fish but aren't picky, often snatching snacks from other birds or scavenging!

Where is Heermann's Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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