Heermann's Gull Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Medium-sized bulky gull. Breeding birds are uniquely marked with a dark gray body, a white head, and a red black-tipped bill.
© Andrew Spencer / Macaulay LibraryBaja California, January 09, 2021Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding adults are gray overall with a darker gray back and a red bill with a black tip.
© Christoph Moning / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 25, 2012Breeding adult with Sanderling
During the nonbreeding season, Heerman's Gulls typically hunt offshore for schooling fish or loaf on beaches, rocky shorelines, or estuaries.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 25, 2011Not all videos have soundThird winter
Medium-sized gray gull unlike any other gull. Nonbreeding birds have a red bill with a black tip.
© Christoph Moning / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 14, 2010Second winter
Second winter gulls are smooth brown overall with a bicolored bill.
© Marc North / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 29, 2015Juvenile
Juveniles have a sooty-brown head and a scalloped looking back. Note heavy bicolored bill.
© Blake Matheson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 10, 2017Breeding adult
Smooth gray overall with a white head, gray rump, and black tail.
© Christoph Moning / Macaulay LibraryBaja California, March 07, 2010First winter
First winter birds are dark brown overall.
© Blake Matheson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 01, 2017Habitat
Found along beaches, coastal estuaries, harbors, and lagoons. Migrates north, spending the winters along the West coast.
© Adam Jackson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, September 09, 2017Species in This Family
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers(Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Laridae)
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