- 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.
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.
