Western Gull, Larus occidentalis, Photo

Western Gull, Larus occidentalis, Phillip Colla Photography

Western Gull, Larus occidentalis

Filed under: California, Photo of the Day, Wildlife on 4/18/2006

The Western gull, Larus occidentalis, is a large white-headed gull common along the western coast of North America. The Western gull ranges from British Columbia to Baja California. It is exclusively marine, and nests on offshore rocks and islands. While offshore it feeds on fishes and invertebrates that it can take at the surface (it cannot dive), and will scavenge carcasses and shellfish while foraging along the shore. It is known to predate upon other smaller birds. Western gulls have a lifespan up to about 25 years, although 15-20 years is more common.


Western gull, adult breeding plumage, note yellow orbital ring around eye. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 15114 Species: Larus occidentalis	Western gull, flying. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 15559 Species: Larus occidentalis	Western gull. Image: 03766 Species: Larus occidentalis


Western gull, adult breeding plumage, note yellow orbital ring around eye. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 15112 Species: Larus occidentalis	Western gull, open mouth. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 15553 Species: Larus occidentalis	Western gull, courtship display. La Jolla, California, USA. Image: 15556 Species: Larus occidentalis

Keywords: Western gull, Larus occidentalis.

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Updated: November 21, 2009