American Herring Gull

Sharp klee-yer calls repeat at an even pace, without the rising fanfare of the full head-tossed long call.

Breeds across Canada, Alaska, the Great Lakes, and the northeastern coast. Coastal adults may stay year-round, while inland and younger birds often move south, some reaching Mexico or Central America.

Coastal beaches, rocky headlands, estuaries, harbours, reservoirs, large lakes, agricultural fields, urban rooftops and rubbish tips.

Breeds in noisy colonies from April–July; post-breeding birds disperse widely, gathering in large flocks at food-rich sites through autumn and winter. Juveniles undergo a four-year moult cycle before reaching adult plumage.

A hefty North American gull of coasts, lakes, rivers, fields, and landfills. Adults wear a pale gray back, pink legs, black wingtips with white mirrors, and a yellow bill marked red; younger birds spend four years working through mottled brown plumages.