American Herring Gull
Larus smithsonianus
Also known as: Arctic Herring Gull, Smithsonian Gull
About This Species
Look for this large gull along coastlines, lakeshores, harbours and even landfill sites across North America, where it scavenges opportunistically and often follows fishing boats for scraps. It is present in much of its range year-round, loafing in numbers on beaches, piers and rooftops. Breeding colonies on cliffs, islands or flat roofs are active through the summer.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Avoid approaching nesting colonies directly, since a mass flush can leave eggs or chicks exposed to predators or weather.
- It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US and Canada, which covers disturbance of active nests as well as direct harm.
- Keep a clear distance from colony sites, particularly in the summer breeding months.
LCAvesCharadriiformesLaridae
Seasonal Activity
6,570,018 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Laridae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.