Bird
Heermann's Gull
Larus heermanniHeermann's Gull is a dark gray coastal gull with a white head in breeding plumage, a red bill tipped in black, and blackish wings. It often follows feeding seabirds or marine mammals to seize fish driven near the surface.
Coastal GullRed BillColonial Nester
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySmall schooling fish, Crabs, Marine insects
Predators
- Peregrine falcons
- Large gulls
- Introduced mammals
ThreatsBreeding-island disturbance, introduced predators, fisheries changes, pollution, and warming seas
HabitatsRocky coasts, sandy beaches, estuaries, offshore islands, and nearshore waters
Life spanOften more than 15 years; some gulls survive beyond 20 years
Classification
- OrderCharadriiformes
- FamilyLaridae
- GenusLarus
- SpeciesLarus heermanni
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Keep away from colonies and never feed or crowd resting gulls.
Responsible observation
- Markings: Look for a red bill against a gray body and pale head.
- Ethics: Observe colonies from established distant viewpoints.
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Shore Life
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