California Gull, Larus californicus

California Gull, Larus californicus. Photographs taken in the greater Los Cabos area, Baja California Sur, April 2017.

Background and Identification

The California Gull, Larus californicus, is a member of the Laridae Family of Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers. This gull is medium in stature and recognized for its adaptability and broad habitat preferences. Most gull species are known as coastal birds, but California Gulls are very common inland. In 1848, this species was named the state bird of Utah, after saving the crops of Mormon settlers by eating katydids that were feasting on the crops. California Gulls are opportunistic feeders, eating anything they can catch or scavenge, much like other scavenger birds such as vultures. In Mexico, they are known as Gaviota Californiana.

The California Gull has a distinctive appearance, with a white head, neck, and underparts, contrasted by a gray back and upper wings. They are mid-sized in stature, with average lengths of 46 cm (18 inches) to 54 cm (21 inches) and average masses of 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) and 900 g (2 lbs 0 oz). Its wings are tipped with black, and it has a noticeable white “window” or spot on the primary feathers. The gull’s eyes are dark brown, and it has a yellow bill with a black ring near the tip and a red spot on the lower mandible. Its legs are yellow, adding to its distinctive appearance. Juveniles are mottled brown and gray, with a more muted coloration that gradually changes to adult plumage over two to three years.

Habitat and Geographical Range

California Gulls are often seen foraging along shorelines, in agricultural fields, and near garbage dumps. They are found in a wide variety of marine habitats from waters at the edge of the continental shelf to beaches and rocky coasts, mudflats, coastal estuaries, and deltas of rivers and streams.

The California Gull is widely distributed across the western United States and Canada. In Mexico, they are found during the winter months in the coastal regions within the Pacific Slope from Baja California to Guerrero at elevations below 2,770 m (9,100 feet).

Common Misidentifications

The California Gull is often confused with other gull species, particularly the Ring-billed Gull, Larus delawarensis, and the Herring Gull, Larus argentatus. The Ring-billed Gull is smaller and has a more slender build, with a distinctive black ring around its bill but lacks the red spot found on the California Gull’s bill. The Herring Gull is larger, with a lighter gray back and pink legs, and also lacks the black ring and red spot on the bill.

Conservation Status

From a conservation perspective the California Gull is currently considered to be of Least Concern with stable, widely distributed populations. This species benefits from its ability to adapt to various habitats and food sources.