Heermann's Gull vs Bonaparte's Gull

Larus heermanni compared with Larus philadelphia

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Heermann's Gull Bonaparte's Gull
Scientific Name Larus heermanni Larus philadelphia
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Near Threatened Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 67.2 cm (26.5 in) 51.9 cm (20.4 in)
Weight 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) 204.575 g (7.22 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-2 1-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Heermann's Gull only

None

Bonaparte's Gull only

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Heermann's Gull

Least Concern

Bonaparte's 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.

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte's Gull, 28–30 cm, is North America's smallest Larus gull, breeding in boreal forests near lakes and wintering on both coasts. Breeding adult has a black hood; underwing shows white triangular flash. Planktivore and piscivore; buoyant, tern-like flight. Migratory; forms large winter flocks.

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