Leucophaeus pipixcan

(Wagler, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Silver gull
French : Mouette de Franklin

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Charadriiformes
Family : Laridae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Small gull species reaching 38 cm in length for a weight of 370 g. Dirty dark orange-red bill and legs. Plumage white with white-tipped black tail, grey wings and black head with white markings around eyes. Juveniles much duller.

Range and habitat
This species breeds inlands, in south-Central Canada and north USA. It winters on western coasts of South America. Lives in inland lakes and marshes with emergent vegetation. Winters near coasts.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is quite common but it numbers fluctuate greatly. Very sensitive to disturbance at breeding sites, habitat loss and pollution.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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