Heermann's Gull Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Medium-sized bulky gull. Breeding birds are uniquely marked with a dark gray body, a white head, and a red black-tipped bill.
© Andrew Spencer | Macaulay LibraryBaja California, January 09, 2021Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding adults are gray overall with a darker gray back and a red bill with a black tip.
© Christoph Moning | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 25, 2012Breeding adult with Sanderling
During the nonbreeding season, Heerman's Gulls typically hunt offshore for schooling fish or loaf on beaches, rocky shorelines, or estuaries.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 25, 2011Not all videos have soundThird winter
Medium-sized gray gull unlike any other gull. Nonbreeding birds have a red bill with a black tip.
© Christoph Moning | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 14, 2010Second winter
Second winter gulls are smooth brown overall with a bicolored bill.
© Marc North | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 29, 2015Juvenile
Juveniles have a sooty-brown head and a scalloped looking back. Note heavy bicolored bill.
© Blake Matheson | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 10, 2017Breeding adult
Smooth gray overall with a white head, gray rump, and black tail.
© Christoph Moning | Macaulay LibraryBaja California, March 07, 2010First winter
First winter birds are dark brown overall.
© Blake Matheson | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 01, 2017Habitat
Found along beaches, coastal estuaries, harbors, and lagoons. Migrates north, spending the winters along the West coast.
© Adam Jackson | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, September 09, 2017
Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.