The glaucous-winged gull is a large, white-headed gull. The genus name is from Latin Larus which appears to have referred to a gull or other large seabird. The specific glaucescens is Neo-Latin for "glaucous" from the Ancient Greek, glaukos, denoting the grey color of its wings.
Region
North Pacific Rim
Typical Environment
Breeds and lives along the North Pacific coasts from the Aleutian Islands and coastal Alaska through British Columbia to Washington and northern Oregon, with winter movements extending farther south. It frequents rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, estuaries, harbors, and offshore islands, and often ventures into urban waterfronts and ports. Colonies nest on coastal cliffs, grassy islets, and occasionally rooftops. It also forages around fishing vessels and refuse sites and may appear inland on large lakes or rivers near the coast.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The glaucous-winged gull is a large, white-headed gull with pale grey wings that lack the black wingtips seen in many other large gulls. It hybridizes extensively with the Western Gull in the Pacific Northwest, producing the well-known 'Olympic gull.' Highly adaptable, it thrives in both wild coastal habitats and urban waterfronts. Individuals can live for decades, and they readily exploit human food sources.
Juvenile glaucous-winged gull feeding on a crab
Newborn chick and egg in nest, St. Lazaria Island, Alaska
Glaucous-winged x Western Gull hybrid. Note the dark grey wingtips and large bill.
Temperament
social and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and effortless soaring
Social Behavior
Typically nests in dense colonies on coastal islands and cliffs, and will also use rooftops in urban areas. Pairs are largely monogamous, with both sexes incubating and tending young. Outside the breeding season, it forms large flocks at feeding and roosting sites and commonly associates with other gull species, including hybrids.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include the classic gull 'long call'—a loud, laughing series of yelps—along with harsh squawks and kek-kek notes. Calls carry over long distances and are used in territorial and social interactions at colonies and feeding sites.
