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Western Gull Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A large, heavy-bodied gull with a thick neck, large head, and heavy bill with a thick tip.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Herring Gull, smaller than a Great Black-backed Gull.

    Relative Sizebetween crow and goosebetween crow and goose

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 22.1-26.0 in (56-66 cm)
      • Weight: 28.2-44.1 oz (800-1250 g)
      • Wingspan: 47.2-56.7 in (120-144 cm)

Regional Differences

The northern subspecies (occidentalis), found from central California to Washington, has notably paler upperparts and darker eyes than the southern subspecies (wymani), resident from central California to Baja California.