adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2006-02-11)


Western Gull
Larus occidentalis

Native Range: North America

Notes: a large stocky species of open and often rocky Pacific coastlines; hybridizes extensively with Glacous-winged Gull in the Pacific Northwest; takes at least three years to reach full adult breeding status, with birds of sdifferent year classes showing a succession of different plumages.


dark mantle; yellow bill with red lower dot (California, USA; 2006-02-02)
black-and-white wingtips; pink legs (California, USA; 2006-11-19)

in typical rocky coastal habitat (California, USA; 2010-04-29)
big mouth (California, USA; 2006-11-19)

dark mantle contrasts with white body (California, USA; 2009-03-08)
large roosting flock (California, USA; 2011-09-05)

powerful but graceful flight (California, USA; 2007-01-20)
juvenile; dark brownish plumage; dark bill (California, USA; 2007-09-22)

distinct kink (angle) in lower mandible (California, USA; 2007-09-22)
juvenile in flight (California, USA; 2007-01-20)

second-winter plumage; getting lighter (California, USA; 2006-05-14)
second-winter bird and its shadow (California, USA; 2007-02-24)

second-winter bird in flight (California, USA; 2007-01-20) 		serious fight in the surf (California, USA; 2009-03-21)

juvenile posing for portrait (California, USA; 2011-09-11)
adult posing for portrait (California, USA; 2009-06-14)