Western Gull

Larus occidentalis Audubon, 1839

Western Gull Larus occidentalis is a gull of the west coast of North America, breeding from north-west Washington to Guadalupe Island and Baja California in north-west Mexico. Outside the breeding season it extends north to southern British Columbia and south to southern Baja California. It is a mainly marine bird that stays close to the ocean and seldom goes far inland. It nests on offshore rocks and islands, including sites in estuaries. The species was described by Audubon in 1839, and two subspecies are recognised, differing in mantle and eye colour.

Order

Charadriiformes

Family

Laridae — Gulls, Terns, Skimmers

Breeding range

North America, Middle America: w North Pacific coast from nw Washington to I. Guadelupe and c Baja California (nw Mexico)

Nonbreeding range

to s British Columbia and s Baja California (nw Mexico)