Species · GBIF taxon 2481146
California Gull
Larus californicusAlso known as Mormon Gull
California gulls are highly adaptable, medium-sized seabirds famous for their graceful flight and bold, opportunistic foraging habits. They nest in large, noisy colonies on inland islands and lakes before migrating to Pacific coastal beaches and estuaries for the winter. These gulls played a historic role in Utah's agricultural history by consuming swarms of crop-destroying crickets, earning them a place of honor as Utah's state bird.
MigratoryCoastalSocial
Licensed referencePolinova / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on insects, fish, eggs, small rodents, carrion, and human food scraps.
- family
- Laridae
- threats
- Habitat loss, water pollution, pesticide ingestion, and climate-induced droughts affecting inland breeding lakes.
- life Span
- 15 to 24 years in the wild.
LC
Can deliver a sharp peck if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
- Identify by the bill: Look for a black spot and a red spot near the tip of the lower mandible on adults.
- Do not feed: Avoid offering human food scraps to prevent habituation and nutritional deficiencies.
- Observe nesting colonies: Watch breeding behaviors from designated overlooks to avoid disturbing nesting pairs.