Large seabird of the Laridae family, native to North Atlantic coastal regions, characterized by robust build and distinctive black-backed plumage.
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal marine environments, rocky shorelines, islands, estuaries, and coastal cliffs across North America and Northern Europe
Ecological Role
Top marine predator, plays crucial role in marine ecosystem balance, controls fish and invertebrate populations, indicates coastal ecosystem health
Morphology
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SKIN COAT
White plumage with distinctive black back and wings, thick waterproof feather layer
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LIMBS WINGS
Strong webbed feet for swimming, broad wings for efficient long-distance gliding, powerful flight muscles
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HEAD SENSORY
Large white head, powerful hooked yellow-orange beak, excellent binocular vision, acute hearing
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BODY STRUCTURE
Large gull species, body length 64-79 cm, wingspan 1.4-1.7 meters, body mass 1.2-2.3 kg
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Gordon Leggett
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