adult in breeding plumage (California, USA; 2006-03-05)


California Gull
Larus californicus

Native Range: North America and Middle America

Notes: size intermediate between smaller Ring-billed Gull and larger Herring and Western Gulls; like many gulls, goes through several different annual plumages before reaching adulthood;


adult; note black and red dots near tip of bill (California, USA; 2006-03-12)
nonbreeding adult, with dusky nape (California, USA; 2008-01-26)

near-breeding adult in flight (California, USA; 2007-01-20)
non-breeding adult (California, USA; 2007-01-20)
adult in near-breeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-01-20) first-winter plumage (California, USA; 2006-03-05)
first-winter bird in flight (California, USA; 2007-01-20) second-winter plumage (California, USA; 2008-01-26)
second-winter bird in flight (California, USA; 2007-01-20) second-winter bird in flight (California, USA; 2007-01-20)
sub-adult molting into breeding plumage (California, USA; 2006-03-25) flock bathing (California, USA; 2011-12-25)
this species often forms large flocks in winter (California, USA; 2011-12-25) flarge flock enjoying a sunny day (California, USA; 2011-12-25)