Heermann's Gull vs Western Gull
Larus heermanni compared with Larus occidentalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Western Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Larus occidentalis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 79.5 cm (31.3 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 957.5 g (33.77 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Western Gull
About These Birds
Heermann's Gull
Heermann's Gull, 46–51 cm, is distinctive — dark grey body, white head (breeding), red bill. Breeds almost entirely on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, then disperses north along the Pacific coast to British Columbia. Kleptoparasite; steals fish from Brown Pelicans. Near Threatened; range highly restricted.
Western Gull
Western Gull, 55–68 cm, is the dominant large gull on the US Pacific coast from Washington to Baja California. Dark-mantled with pink legs, yellow bill with red spot. Omnivore; breeds on offshore islands, scavenges at harbours and landfills. Non-migratory; resident along its breeding coast.