Short-billed Gull Photo Gallery

Breeding adult

Small white-headed gull with a little yellow bill and yellow legs. Head looks very round and petite. Breeding adults have a red ring around the eye.

Nonbreeding adult

Small to medium-sized gull with a little yellow bill and a round head. Nonbreeding adults have smudgy tan marks on the head and neck.

First winter (American)

Note small bill and rounded head. First-winter birds have gray back, brown markings on the wings, and barred undertail coverts.

First winter

First-winter birds start to acquire pale gray back feathers, but are otherwise tan with white fringing. Note small bicolored bill.

Juvenile

Juveniles are pale brown with white feather edging. Note dark barring on the undertail coverts.

Nonbreeding adult

Nonbreeding adults in flight show large white spots on the primaries.

First winter

First-winter birds have dark flight feathers, a pale rump, and brown tail feathers with lighter brown tips.

Habitat

Breeds in marine and freshwater environments including tundra, marshy areas, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. Frequently gathers along streams, lakeshores, and coastal mudflats.

Short-billed Gull First winter (American)

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Short-billed Gull Photo Gallery

Breeding adult

Nonbreeding adult

First winter (American)

First winter

Juvenile

Nonbreeding adult

First winter

Habitat

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