Glaucous-winged Gull
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| Larus glaucescens (Naumann, 1840) |
The Glaucous-winged Gull, Larus glaucescens, is a large, white-headed gull residing from the Aleutians to the western coast of Alaska to the coast of Washington. It also breeds on the northwest coast of Alaska. During non-breeding seasons they can be found along the coast of California. It is a close relative of the Western Gull and frequently hybridizes with it, resulting in identification problems--particularly in the Puget Sound area. Glaucous-winged Gulls are thought to live about 15 years. One individual, notable because he had only one leg, lived at least 30.
The Glaucous-winged Gull is rarely found far from saltwater. It is a large bird, measuring 24 to 27 in. (61-69 cm.) with a white head, neck, breast, and belly, a white tail, and pearly-gray wings and back. The ends of their wings are white-tipped. Its legs are pink and the beak is yellow with a red subterminal spot. The forehead is somewhat flat. During the winter, the head and nape appears dusky, and the subterminal spot becomes dark. Young birds are brown or gray with black beaks, and take four years to reach full plumage.
The Glaucous-winged Gull nests in the summer, and each pair produces two or three chicks which fledge at six weeks.
It feeds along the coast, scavenging for dead or weak squid, fish, mussels, and the like, and often picks up human garbage.
Its cry is a low-pitched "kak-kak-kak" or "wow", or a more high-pitched wailing.
Also known as the sea gull.
One has recently been recorded for the first time in Britain.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Larus glaucescens. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- "National Geographic" Field Guide to the Birds of North America ISBN 0-7922-6877-6
- Seabirds, an Identification Guide by Peter Harrison, (1983) ISBN 0-7470-1410-8
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol 3, Josep del Hoyo editor, ISBN 84-87334-10-5
- "National Audubon Society" The Sibley Guide to Birds, by David Allen Sibley, ISBN 0-679-45122-6
- Glaucous-Winged Winter Adult at Whatbird.com
- British Columbia Wildlife
