A small, elegant seabird of North America, characterized by its distinctive plumage and migratory behavior across coastal and inland water ecosystems.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Breeds in boreal forest regions of Canada and Alaska, winters along Pacific and Atlantic coastal areas, coastal lakes, and marine environments from southern Canada to Mexico.
Ecological Role
Critical marine ecosystem indicator species, plays significant role in marine food webs as both predator and prey, helps control aquatic invertebrate populations.
Morphology
SKIN COATPredominantly white plumage with gray back, black head during breeding season, light gray during non-breeding periods
LIMBS WINGSLong, pointed wings adapted for efficient marine flight, gray-black wingtips, relatively long legs for wading
HEAD SENSORYSharp, pointed black bill, large dark eyes with excellent visual acuity, white head during breeding season
BODY STRUCTURESmall gull, body length 28-36 cm, wingspan 76-86 cm, weight 120-210 g, slender and agile body design
