A smallish gull just a bit larger than a Ring-billed Gull. Found only along the Pacific Coast where it breeds in Baja California. Post breeding dispersal movement northwards to the B.C. coast where they are relatively common especially on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Very rare inland as this species is very dedicated to pelagic habitats. One record for the checklist area.
Similar species:
Distinctive, as gulls go. Very dark plumaged with dark legs. The red bill with dark tip on birds after their first summer is also very distinct.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Olsen and Larsson, (2003)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 08-November-1991 | Harrison Hot Springs | J. Bradshaw | A juvenile molting to first winter plumage among Mew and Glaucous-winged Gulls. Seen in front of the Harrison Hotel. |