This is the common and familiar “seagull” across much of North America—from coastal beaches to malls in the middle of the continent—yet it is rarely seen offshore. This notably adaptable and bold feeder takes bread from children, soars to catch insects, scavenges at dumps, and even plucks berries from trees. Monotypic. Length 17–20"; wingspan 44.5–49".
Medium-size, 3-cycle gull with sloping head, medium-size bill. On adult, note yellow legs, pale eyes, and neat “ring bill.” Breeding adult: pale gray upperparts; black wing tip with white mirrors on outer 1–2 primaries. Staring pale-yellow eyes set off by red orbital ring; yellow legs and bill; bill with a clean-cut black subterminal ring. Winter adult: head and neck with fine dusky streaking and spotting. Slightly
