The American herring gull, also known as the Arctic herring gull or Smithsonian gull, is a large gull that breeds in North America, where it is treated by the American Ornithological Society as a subspecies of herring gull.
Region
North America and North Atlantic coasts
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across boreal and temperate Canada and the northern United States, especially along Atlantic coasts, the Great Lakes, and scattered inland lakes and rivers. In winter it spreads south along both Atlantic and Pacific coasts to the Gulf of Mexico and into Mexico, with birds also occurring inland on large reservoirs and landfills. It frequents beaches, estuaries, mudflats, rocky and sandy shorelines, harbors, and urban settings. Nesting occurs on coastal islands, headlands, dunes, and increasingly on rooftops in towns and cities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The American herring gull, also called the Smithsonian gull, is a large, adaptable gull common across much of North America. It shows notable plumage variation with age, taking four years to reach full adult plumage. It readily scavenges at landfills and fishing ports and often engages in kleptoparasitism. Individuals can be long-lived, with banded birds known to surpass 25–30 years.
Adult with chick, Elliston, Newfoundland
Juvenile and adult in North Carolina
First-cycle bird in Texas
An adult Herring Gull sits on a piling in Marine Park
Adult in winter plumage, Cape May Point, New Jersey
Two fledglings resting on a rock on the shore on Lake Ontario
Eating a crab
Stomping feet to help find prey
Temperament
social and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and soaring glides
Social Behavior
Forms large flocks outside the breeding season and often mixes with other gull species. Nests colonially on islands or rooftops, with pairs defending small territories. Typically monogamous with shared incubation and chick-rearing duties. Known for bold scavenging and piracy of food from other birds.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, laughing keeyah and kee-ow calls and the classic long call with repeated yelps. Also gives low mews, squeals, and harsh scolds, especially in territorial and alarm contexts.
