New England Seabirds
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GullsSabine's Gull Black-legged Kittiwake |
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General Characteristics
There are 87 species of gulls most of which belong to one genus Larus.
Gulls walk well with legs situated in the middle of the body. They are good at gliding and can takoff without running to get up to speed. Gulls swim buoyantly, but are not able to dive under the water.
They are scavengers and some species such as Herring Gulls have increased their numbers dramatically by feeding on human garbage dumps. Attend trawlers thereby benefiting from human activity of fishing. Also prey on eggs and young of other seabirds.
Gulls require 2-4 years to achieve maturity and display plumage variation with age.
Most species breed in the northern hemisphere with only a few adapting to the southern hemisphere. Most gulls disburse in the breeding area, but some migrate long distances.
Sea Gulls ??
Despite the common name sea gull, most gulls are coastal. Only a few are truly pelagic. As they have no salt regulation glands, gulls drink fresh water and must return to land to obtain it. In New England, Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls are seen on Stellwagen Bank and other offshore location following fishing boats and cetaceans
Size Comparison Common Gulls
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Bird in foreground is a Black-legged Kittiwake. Notice that it is much smaller than the Herring Gulls and the Great Black-backed Gull to the right.Photo by Jim Wallius and used with his permission. All photos remain the property of the photographer. |
| From Harrison 1983 | Length cm | Wingspan cm | |
| Great Black-backed Gull | 71-79cm | 152-167cm | |
| Herring Gull | 56-66cm | 137-142 | |
| Lesser Black-backed Gull | 51-61cm | 124-127cm | |
| Ring-billed Gull | 45-53cm | 121-127 cm | |
| Black-legged Kittiwake | 39-46 | 90-92 | |
| Laughing Gull | 38-43cm | 99-107cm | |
| Bonapart's Gull | 33-36 | 81-84 | |
| Sabine's Gull | 33-36 | 86-91 | |
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