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Glaucous-winged Gull

(Larus glaucescens) - North America

Photo by 

Elsemargriet

Overview

Birds

Biology

Lifecycle: Glaucous-winged Gulls are known for their opportunistic feeding behavior. They build nests in a variety of coastal habitats and are often seen scavenging for food.
Behavior: They are skilled scavengers and are often seen near coastal areas, including beaches, docks, and harbors. They are social birds and are often found in groups.
Vocalizations: Glaucous-winged Gulls have a range of calls, including harsh squawks and mews, which they use for communication and territory defense.

Food

Diet: Glaucous-winged Gulls have an omnivorous diet, feeding on a wide range of foods, including fish, invertebrates, marine algae, small mammals, and even human food scraps.
Feeding Behavior: They are opportunistic feeders and are often seen scavenging for food near the water's edge. They are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of food sources and are often seen foraging in coastal and urban areas.

The Glaucous-winged Gull is a large, coastal gull species found along the western coast of North America. It is known for its distinctive appearance and is often seen in a variety of coastal habitats.

Description

Size: Glaucous-winged Gulls are large birds, typically measuring about 53 to 71 cm (21 to 28 inches) in length, with a wingspan of about 127 to 150 cm (50 to 59 inches).
Appearance: They have a white head, body, and tail, with pale gray wings. One of the key features is the pale gray or "glaucous" coloration on the upperwings, which gives them their name. Their bills are yellow with a red spot near the tip.

Habitat

Glaucous-winged Gulls are commonly found along the western coast of North America, from Alaska to California. They inhabit a variety of coastal environments, including rocky shores, beaches, estuaries, and urban areas.
Nests: They build nests on the ground or on cliffs in coastal locations. They are known for their adaptability to nesting sites.

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