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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | + | Year-round resident on eastern and southern coastline of the U.S. from Maine to the southern tip of Texas. Winters in Mexico. | |
| + | |||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | |||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Coastal islands, saltmarshes and sand-dunes. | Coastal islands, saltmarshes and sand-dunes. | ||
| + | |||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
| − | A large nest is built of grass and placed on the ground. 3-4 greenish eggs are laid and incubated for about 21 days. | + | Omnivorous - diet includes fish, insects, carrion, mollusks, eggs, worms, young birds, etc. Collects food by foraging on beaches and shallows; does not submerge in search of food like some other shorebirds. Often gathers in large flocks in beachfront areas on lawns, park areas, parking lots, etc. A large nest is built of grass and placed on the ground. 3-4 greenish eggs are laid and incubated for about 21 days. |
They are scavengers as well as hunting small prey. | They are scavengers as well as hunting small prey. | ||
Revision as of 14:55, 27 November 2007
- Larus atricilla
Identification
36-41 cm, 98-110 cm wingspan. White, dark grey back and wings and black head. Long red bill. Hood lost in winter.
Distribution
Year-round resident on eastern and southern coastline of the U.S. from Maine to the southern tip of Texas. Winters in Mexico.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Coastal islands, saltmarshes and sand-dunes.
Behaviour
Omnivorous - diet includes fish, insects, carrion, mollusks, eggs, worms, young birds, etc. Collects food by foraging on beaches and shallows; does not submerge in search of food like some other shorebirds. Often gathers in large flocks in beachfront areas on lawns, park areas, parking lots, etc. A large nest is built of grass and placed on the ground. 3-4 greenish eggs are laid and incubated for about 21 days.
They are scavengers as well as hunting small prey.
