A medium-sized seabird of the Laridae family, endemic to North American coastal and inland water ecosystems. Known for its distinctive plumage and aerial foraging behavior.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal marine environments, inland lakes, marshes, estuaries along North American coastlines, particularly in breeding regions of western United States and Canada.
Ecological Role
Key predator in aquatic food chains, controls fish and invertebrate populations, serves as bioindicator for wetland ecosystem health.
Morphology
SKIN COATLight gray and white plumage, seasonal color variations between breeding and non-breeding states
LIMBS WINGSLong, pointed wings adapted for agile aerial hunting, gray dorsal wing coloration, white ventral surface
HEAD SENSORYSharp pointed bill, white head with black cap during breeding season, keen visual hunting capabilities
BODY STRUCTURESlender body, approximately 33-36 cm in length, wingspan of 76-82 cm, weight range 120-180 g
