Bonaparte's Gull
Chroicocephalus philadelphia
About This Species
A small, delicate gull of North America, breeding inland near boreal lakes and wintering along coasts, bays and estuaries, often seen in loose flocks picking food daintily from the water's surface rather than scavenging like larger gulls. Look for the black head in summer plumage or a small dark ear spot in winter, along with a light, tern-like flight action. Coastal bays and river mouths in winter are the most reliable places to find flocks at close range.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- A viewing distance of at least 20 to 30 metres allows flocks to continue feeding undisturbed, since repeatedly flushing a mixed gull flock can interrupt feeding for the whole group, not just this species.
- Gulls receive some form of legal protection across most of its North American range, though specifics vary between countries and states, so check local regulations if uncertain.
- Avoid feeding or deliberately flushing flocks for a better view or photo.
NEAvesCharadriiformesLaridae
Seasonal Activity
1,382,718 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.