Western gull

The western gull is a large white-headed gull that lives on the west coast of North America and the Pacific Ocean. The western gull ranges from British Columbia, Canada, to Baja California, Mexico.

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Distribution

Region

Pacific coast of North America

Typical Environment

Western gulls inhabit the coastline from southern British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, and California to Baja California. They favor rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries, and coastal cliffs, and are common around piers, marinas, and harbors. Breeding occurs on offshore islands and headlands with open ground for nesting. They generally remain near the coast year-round, venturing inland mainly to landfills or large waterways. Juveniles disperse more widely along the coast after fledging.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size56–68 cm

Wing Span120–150 cm

Male Weight1.2 kg

Female Weight1 kg

Life Expectancy20 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The western gull is a large, white-headed gull of the Pacific coast, often seen on beaches, piers, and offshore islands. It is an assertive scavenger known for kleptoparasitism—stealing food from other birds—and for frequenting harbors and fishing docks. In the Pacific Northwest it commonly hybridizes with the glaucous-winged gull, producing the so-called 'Olympic gull.' Breeding colonies can be highly protective, with adults vigorously defending nests and chicks.

Gallery

Western Gull in flight over the cliffs of Bodega Head

Pair-bonding behaviour

Over San Francisco Bay

Western gull x Glaucous-winged gull hybrid nesting in Oregon. Note the grey (not black) wingtips and paler mantle compared to a pure Western gull.

Behaviour

Temperament

assertive and opportunistic

Flight Pattern

strong flier with steady wingbeats and occasional soaring

Social Behavior

Western gulls breed colonially on islands and coastal cliffs, forming long-term pair bonds. Nests are shallow scrapes lined with vegetation and debris; both parents incubate and feed the young. Chicks are semi-precocial and fledge after several weeks. Outside the breeding season they loaf and forage in loose flocks, especially around rich food sources.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are loud and raucous, including yelps, laughing calls, and a long braying display call. They also give sharp alarm notes and begging calls from chicks at colonies.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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Western house martin

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Western jackdaw

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