Bird · GBIF taxon 2481146
California Gull
Larus californicusCalifornia gulls build dense nesting colonies on islands within inland saline lakes like Mono Lake and the Great Salt Lake before wintering along the Pacific coast. They are famously credited with saving early Utah crops by consuming swarms of Mormon crickets in 1848, earning them status as Utah's state bird. Adults display yellow legs, a medium-gray mantle, and a yellow bill marked with both a red and black spot near the tip.
MigratoryOmnivorousWaterbird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Small Fish
- Brine Shrimp
Predators
- Coyotes
- Bald Eagles
- Great Horned Owls
ThreatsWater diversion reducing island nesting security, climate change, coastal pollution
HabitatsInland lakes, rivers, agricultural fields, coastal beaches, estuaries
Life span15–24 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCharadriiformes
- FamilyLaridae
- GenusLarus
- SpeciesLarus californicus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe at nesting sites: Maintain a respectful distance at inland breeding colonies to avoid flushing nesting pairs.
- Distinguish from look-alikes: Scan the bill for both a red and black spot paired with yellow legs.
- Secure food items: Keep picnic waste packed away near coastal areas to prevent habituation and begging.
Coastal Neighbor Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Eric Schmidt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eric Schmidt · cc-by
Close Relative Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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