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Short-billed Gull Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A small gull with a short, slender bill. It has a small head, short neck, rather short tail, and moderately long legs.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Bonaparte’s Gull, smaller than a Ring-billed Gull.

    Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 16.1-18.1 in (41-46 cm)
      • Weight: 12.7-21.2 oz (360-600 g)
      • Wingspan: 42.1-44.9 in (107-114 cm)

    Shape of the Short-billed Gull© Andy Bankert / Macaulay Library