American Herring Gull

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

Also known as: Arctic Herring Gull, Smithsonian Gull

Predict Sightings

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.