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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]]. | Year-round resident on eastern and southern coastline of the U.S. from [[Maine]] to the southern tip of [[Texas]]. Winters in [[Mexico]]. | ||
+ | Rare away from east coast and south coast of the U.S. but with records in almost every state. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vagrant to Europe with several records annually in the UK. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== |
Revision as of 16:08, 17 July 2008
- Larus atricilla
Identification
L. 36-41 cm
W. 98-110 cm
Breeding
- Dark grey back and wings
- Black head
- Long red bill
Non-breeding
- 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. Rare away from east coast and south coast of the U.S. but with records in almost every state.
Vagrant to Europe with several records annually in the UK.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Coastal islands, saltmarshes and sand-dunes.
Behaviour
Often gathers in large flocks in beachfront areas on lawns, park areas, parking lots, etc.
Diet
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.
They are scavengers as well as hunting small prey.
Breeding
A large nest is built of grass and placed on the ground. 3-4 greenish eggs are laid and incubated for about 21 days.