ExploreBirds

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

The Western Gull is a big, gray-and-white bird often found near the ocean. They love to eat fish and can be seen flying over beaches and coastal areas.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Western Gull is a large, sturdy seabird with a crisp white head and body. It has a striking dark slate-gray back and wings, which helps distinguish it from lighter-backed gulls. Its strong yellow bill has a distinct red spot, and its legs are pink.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
Western Gull
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgescavenger trait badge
Western Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A baby Western Gull is called a 'chick' and is covered in fluffy down!

The red spot on their bill tells chicks where to peck for food!

They can sometimes live for over 25 years in the wild!

Western Gulls sometimes stomp their feet to trick worms into coming up!

Special abilities

Ability

Shell Cracker

Western Gulls can drop shellfish from high up because this helps them break open tough shells for a meal.

Ability

Food Finder

Western Gulls have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell that helps them locate food from far away.

Ability

Coastal Navigator

Western Gulls have powerful wings that help them soar effortlessly on ocean breezes along the coast.

Measurements & details

Length
56-66 cm
Wingspan
130-144 cm
Weight
0.8-1.4 kg
Lifespan
15-25 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
2-3
Incubation
27-30 days

Diet & Feeding

Western Gulls are clever omnivores, eating almost anything they can find, from fish to human snacks!

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Marine invertebrates
  • Bird eggs and chicks
  • Carrion
  • Human refuse
  • Rodents

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Common Murre

Uria aalge

Preys on eggs and chicks in nesting colonies.

eats

California Mussel

Mytilus californianus

Drops them from heights to crack open their shells.

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

Can prey on gull eggs, chicks, or injured adults.

eats

Northern Anchovy

Engraulis mordax

Forages for small schooling fish near the surface.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't feed gulls human food; it can make them sick!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Western Gull?

56-66 cm

What is Western Gull's wingspan?

130-144 cm

How much does Western Gull weigh?

0.8-1.4 kg

How long does Western Gull live?

15-25 years

How fast can Western Gull move?

65 km/h

What does Western Gull eat?

Western Gulls are clever omnivores, eating almost anything they can find, from fish to human snacks!

Where is Western Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Western Gull hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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