Seagulls are among the most recognizable coastal birds worldwide, yet many people don’t realize there are numerous species with distinct behaviors and appearances. This list covers 35 types of seagulls, providing key facts to help birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and coastal travelers identify them easily and understand their unique traits.
Common Coastal Gulls
- Herring Gull – One of the most widespread seagulls in North America and Europe, often seen scavenging near beaches and urban areas.
- Ring-billed Gull – Easily identified by the black ring around its bill, common in inland lakes and coastal regions during migration.
- California Gull – Found mainly on the west coast of North America, recognized for its yellow legs and a distinctive black ring near the bill tip.
- Western Gull – A large, robust gull native to the Pacific coast, often spotted near rocky shores and harbors.
- Great Black-backed Gull – The largest gull species, notable for its imposing size and black back, common in the North Atlantic coasts.
- Glaucous Gull – Known for its pale gray wings and pink legs, it breeds in Arctic regions and winters further south along coasts.
- Glaucous-winged Gull – Found along the Pacific Northwest coast, it has a mix of gray and white wings and often hybridizes with Western Gulls.
- Sabine’s Gull – Unique for its forked tail and black, white, and gray plumage, it breeds in Arctic tundra and migrates over open oceans.
- Iceland Gull – Smaller and lighter than the Glaucous Gull, it winters along the North Atlantic coasts, often scavenging in harbors.
- Slaty-backed Gull – Native to the North Pacific, it has dark slate-gray back feathers and is less common than other gulls in the region.
Smaller and More Specialized Gulls
- Bonaparte’s Gull – A small gull with a black head in breeding plumage, often seen inland near lakes and rivers during migration.
- Little Gull – The smallest gull species, it breeds in northern Europe and Asia and is occasionally seen in North America during migration.
- Black-headed Gull – Common in Europe and Asia, it has a chocolate-brown head in summer and is known for its graceful flight.
- Laughing Gull – Named for its distinctive laughing call, it is common along the Atlantic coast of the Americas, especially in summer.
- Franklin’s Gull – Breeds in North American prairies and migrates to South America, notable for its black hood and white wing spots.
- Swallow-tailed Gull – Found in the Galápagos Islands, it’s unique for its red eye-ring and nocturnal feeding habits.
- Grey-headed Gull – Native to southern Africa and South America, it has a distinct pale gray head and prefers coastal lagoons and estuaries.
- Heermann’s Gull – A medium-sized gull with a slate-gray body and red bill, it breeds on islands off California and Mexico.
- Vega Gull – Breeds in northeastern Asia, it is similar to the Herring Gull but has paler wings and a yellow bill with a red spot.
- Yellow-legged Gull – Found around the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, it is notable for its bright yellow legs and aggressive feeding behavior.
Arctic and High Latitude Gulls
- Kumlien’s Gull – A hybrid form between Iceland and Thayer’s gulls, it is found in Arctic Canada and shows a wide range of plumage variations.
- Thayer’s Gull – Breeds in Alaska and the Arctic, it is characterized by a pale gray mantle and dark wingtips, often confused with Iceland Gull.
- Ross’s Gull – A rare and delicate gull with pinkish hues, it breeds in high Arctic tundra and is a prized sighting for birders.
- Sabine’s Gull – Known for its slender shape and forked tail, it breeds in Arctic regions and migrates long distances over oceans.
- Ivory Gull – Almost entirely white, this gull is a scavenger of polar bear kills and lives primarily in the high Arctic.
Gulls with Unique Habitats or Behaviors
- Silver Gull – The common gull of Australia, easily recognized by its red bill and legs, often seen scavenging in urban areas.
- Pacific Gull – Large gull native to southern Australia with a heavy bill and bold black and white wing pattern.
- Brown-headed Gull – Found in South Asia, it breeds inland near freshwater lakes and has distinctive brown head plumage in summer.
- Black-tailed Gull – Native to East Asia, noted for its black tail band and loud, varied calls along rocky coasts.
- Heuglin’s Gull – Breeds in northeastern Siberia, it is a large white-headed gull with a yellow bill and dark wingtips.
- Red-legged Kittiwake – A small gull with bright red legs, found breeding on cliffs in the North Pacific and Arctic oceans.
- White-eyed Gull – Native to the Red Sea region, it has a distinctive white eye ring and prefers rocky coasts and islands.
- Sabine’s Gull – This species’ habit of feeding at night sets it apart, often catching insects and small fish under moonlight.
- Swallow-tailed Gull – Unique among gulls for its nocturnal feeding habits and bright red eye, endemic to the Galápagos Islands.
- Laughing Gull – Its distinctive call and summer breeding plumage with a black hood make it easy to identify along the Atlantic coast.
Rare and Less Common Gulls
- Andean Gull – Found in high-altitude lakes of the Andes, it has a black head and white body, adapted to mountainous environments.
- White-headed Gull – Widespread in Europe and Asia, it has a striking white head and black wingtips, often seen inland near freshwater.
- Pacific Gull – Large and powerful, this gull is native to southern Australia’s coasts and islands, with a heavy bill suited for crushing prey.
- Black-legged Kittiwake – A cliff-nesting gull common in the North Atlantic, it has black legs and a distinctive call during breeding season.
- Brown-headed Gull – A small gull breeding in South Asia, often found near freshwater bodies and known for its brown head during breeding.
How to Use This List
When trying to identify a seagull, consider your location and the time of year, as many species migrate seasonally. Look closely at size, coloration patterns on the wings, head, and legs, and listen for distinctive calls. Coastal birdwatchers should focus on common local species first, then expand to rarer ones if sightings don’t match. Use this list as a reference to compare physical traits and habitats for more accurate identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I tell different seagulls apart?
Look for key features like bill shape and color, leg color, wing and back patterns, and head markings, which vary by species.
2. Are all seagulls coastal birds?
While many seagulls live near coasts, several species breed inland near lakes and rivers or migrate across continents.
3. Why do seagulls sometimes look different in summer?
Many gulls have breeding plumage with distinct head or body markings that fade or change in non-breeding seasons.
4. Can seagulls live in urban areas?
Yes, species like Herring Gulls and Laughing Gulls have adapted well to cities, scavenging for food near humans.
5. What do seagulls eat?
Seagulls are opportunistic feeders, eating fish, insects, crustaceans, garbage, and even other birds’ eggs.
6. Are seagulls protected by law?
Many seagull species are protected under various wildlife laws, especially during breeding seasons, to conserve populations.
Final Thoughts
Seagulls are diverse and fascinating birds, far beyond the common image of a single “seagull” species. By learning to recognize these 35 types, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for their adaptations and behaviors across the globe. Whether you’re a casual beachgoer or an avid birdwatcher, this knowledge will enrich your coastal experiences and help protect these important members of our ecosystems.
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