When most people think of gulls, they imagine noisy birds hanging around beaches or parking lots. But in California, gulls are much more than that. With its long coastline, inland lakes, and big wetlands, California is one of the best places in North America to see a wide variety of gull species. Some are local residents, while others travel thousands of miles to winter here.
From the huge Western Gull along the coast to the delicate Bonaparte’s Gull during migration, there’s a lot more variety than many expect. Gulls can be tricky to tell apart, but that’s part of what makes watching them so interesting. With a little patience and a good pair of binoculars, you’ll start to notice the subtle differences between species. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the gulls you can find in California and the best places to see them.
1. Western Gull
- Scientific name: Larus occidentalis
- Life span: 15–25 years
- Size: 22–26 in / 56–66 cm
- Weight: 31–48 oz / 880–1360 g
- Wingspan: 47–57 in / 119–145 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stays year-round; does not leave California.
The Western Gull is a familiar sight along the Pacific coastline, stretching from southern British Columbia down through California and into Baja California. This sturdy gull has a clean, white head and underparts, sharply contrasted by its dark gray back and wings. Its powerful yellow bill carries a bright red spot near the tip, a classic gull feature.
Their pink legs set them apart from some other coastal gulls. Western Gulls often linger around rocky shores, piers, and sandy beaches, making them a defining part of the West Coast’s seascape.
Western Gulls usually nest on rocky islands and isolated coastal spots, preferring places away from predators. They scrape a shallow bowl into the ground, lining it with grasses, feathers, and bits of debris. These nesting colonies can be noisy and crowded, but each pair defends a small area fiercely, ensuring enough space to raise their young.
Their diet is impressively broad. Western Gulls eat fish, small animals, and scavenge anything from beach scraps to harbour refuse. They are bold feeders, often seen stealing food from other birds. Their strong beaks let them handle tough prey like crabs or fish, but they’re just as happy cleaning up after people near waterfronts.
Western Gulls have stayed fairly stable overall, though pollution and human disturbance near nesting sites have caused localized declines. Protecting coastal breeding grounds has been key. Public awareness about waste and fishing practices has also helped ensure these birds continue to thrive along the Pacific coast.
2. California Gull
- Scientific name: Larus californicus
- Life span: 15–25 years
- Size: 20–23 in / 51–58 cm
- Weight: 20–32 oz / 570–910 g
- Wingspan: 48–54 in / 122–137 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Most migrate inland by late spring.
Spanning a wide range from the Great Basin to coastal California, the California Gull is a flexible bird equally at home inland and by the ocean. Its appearance strikes a balance: not as dark-backed as the Western Gull, but darker than some inland gulls. It shows a medium-gray back, bright yellow legs, and a strong bill marked with both red and black near the tip.
In breeding season, its white head is clean and smooth, giving it a smart, sharp look. They often form large flocks across lakes, fields, and bays.
California Gulls nest on islands in inland lakes, building nests from sticks, grasses, and feathers directly on the ground. They prefer barren or sparsely vegetated areas where predators are fewer. Colonies are dense but organized, with each pair defending a nest space while sharing some defense duties against intruders or predators.
California Gulls are omnivores, happily switching between fish, insects, garbage, and even crops depending on what’s available. They are strong fliers and foragers, often seen patrolling fields or following farm equipment for disturbed insects. Their flexible diet helps them survive across a wide range of habitats throughout the year.
Once heavily impacted by human activity, California Gulls have adapted remarkably well to changing landscapes. Expanding urban areas and agricultural zones have even benefited them in some cases. Today, careful monitoring of breeding colonies continues, particularly around places like Mono Lake, to ensure that they remain a strong, stable presence.
3. Ring-billed Gull
- Scientific name: Larus delawarensis
- Life span: 10–15 years
- Size: 17–21 in / 43–53 cm
- Weight: 17–25 oz / 480–700 g
- Wingspan: 41–46 in / 104–117 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late spring for northern breeding grounds.
Ring-billed Gulls are one of the most widespread gulls across North America, and during winter, they are often seen throughout California’s coastlines and lakes. Their name comes from the distinct black ring that circles their otherwise yellow bill. Their back is a soft gray, contrasting nicely with bright white underparts and a clean white head.
Adults have yellow legs that stand out against sandy shores. These gulls have an alert, watchful expression and are often spotted around beaches, parks, and even parking lots in large groups.
Ring-billed Gulls nest in large colonies, often on islands in freshwater lakes and sometimes on coastal shores. They scrape a shallow depression in sand or dirt, lining it with available vegetation. Both parents share the duties of incubating the eggs, and their colonies buzz with the sounds of squabbling and calls during nesting season.
Their diet is a mix of fish, insects, grains, and human food scraps. Ring-billed Gulls are adept scavengers, often found around landfills, fast-food parking lots, and beaches. They are also skillful hunters of small fish in shallow waters, and their opportunistic feeding habits make them extremely adaptable to different environments.
Historically, Ring-billed Gull populations were once reduced by hunting for their feathers. After legal protections and shifts in human behaviour, they rebounded strongly. Today, they are among the most widespread gulls in North America, although habitat changes and urban growth still require careful monitoring in breeding areas.
4. Glaucous-winged Gull
- Scientific name: Larus glaucescens
- Life span: 15–20 years
- Size: 20–27 in / 51–68 cm
- Weight: 31–47 oz / 880–1340 g
- Wingspan: 47–56 in / 119–142 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Mostly stays year-round; some migrate north in spring.
The Glaucous-winged Gull makes its home along the northern Pacific coast, from Alaska down into northern and central California in winter. Unlike many other gulls, it shows a soft, uniform look with its pale gray back and equally gray wingtips, giving it a muted appearance even at a distance.
Its legs are pink, and its heavy bill is yellow with a red spot near the lower mandible. This gull tends to blend more into overcast coastal skies, fitting perfectly into foggy, rugged shorelines and harbour scenes.
Glaucous-winged Gulls usually nest on rocky islands, cliffs, or remote coastal sites, choosing places that offer security from land predators. They build nests from seaweed, grass, and driftwood, forming large, noisy colonies. Both parents take part in incubation and fiercely defend their small nesting territory against neighbouring gulls.
Their diet covers a broad range, from fish and shellfish to marine invertebrates and scavenged remains. They often feed along shorelines, rummaging through kelp beds or harassing other seabirds to steal food. Their versatility makes them well-suited to the rugged coastlines where food availability can be unpredictable.
Conservation efforts for Glaucous-winged Gulls have mainly focused on monitoring populations, especially near urbanized coastal areas. While generally stable, their tendency to hybridize with Western Gulls has drawn interest from researchers. Maintaining healthy coastal habitats supports their future, as pollution and overfishing could gradually threaten food sources critical for survival.
5. Heermann’s Gull
- Scientific name: Larus heermanni
- Life span: 10–20 years
- Size: 18–20 in / 46–51 cm
- Weight: 15–21 oz / 425–600 g
- Wingspan: 44–48 in / 112–122 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Migrates south to Mexico by late fall.
Heermann’s Gulls are striking and unique along the Pacific coast, mostly seen from Baja California up into central California, especially during late summer and fall. They look completely different from the typical gull: adults have a dark gray body with lighter silver-gray on the back, sharply offset by a bright white head during the breeding season.
Their bill is deep red with a black tip, an eye-catching feature that sets them apart instantly. These gulls often crowd rocky coastlines and sandy beaches, bringing a splash of character wherever they gather.
Heermann’s Gulls mainly nest on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, forming one of the densest seabird colonies in North America. They scrape shallow nests in bare, sandy ground, relying on the island’s protection from predators. Timing is critical; most pairs return during spring to coincide with food availability offshore.
Their diet focuses heavily on fish, particularly anchovies and sardines, often caught during swift, agile dives. Heermann’s Gulls are also bold kleptoparasites, stealing food from pelicans and other seabirds. Their feeding behaviour is lively and aggressive, perfectly matching their energetic flight style along bustling coastlines.
Once facing severe declines due to egg collecting and disturbance, Heermann’s Gull populations rebounded after Isla Rasa was protected as a reserve. Conservation efforts remain strong, with ongoing habitat management and monitoring. However, their heavy dependence on a single breeding location makes them vulnerable to changes in climate and ocean conditions.
6. Herring Gull
- Scientific name: Larus argentatus
- Life span: 20+ years
- Size: 22–26 in / 56–66 cm
- Weight: 31–49 oz / 880–1400 g
- Wingspan: 54–58 in / 137–147 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late spring to breed farther north.
Found across most of North America and into Eurasia, Herring Gulls are regular winter visitors along the California coastline. They are the archetypal “large gull,” with broad, pale gray backs, white heads and underparts, and bold yellow bills marked with a red spot.
Their pinkish legs and large size give them a solid, heavy look compared to sleeker gull species. During winter, some show light brown streaking on their heads, adding a slightly worn appearance that fits well with rough, windy coastal landscapes.
Herring Gulls prefer nesting on rocky islands, cliffs, and beaches, typically forming loose colonies. They build sturdy nests from grasses, seaweed, and other available material, often nestled into hollows or against rocks for shelter. Both adults share responsibilities, incubating the eggs and later fiercely guarding their vulnerable chicks.
These gulls are true generalists, feeding on fish, marine invertebrates, garbage, and carrion. They forage at sea, along shores, and inland fields, using their strength and adaptability to thrive. Their opportunistic habits make them one of the most visible and familiar large gulls across coastal and urban landscapes alike.
Conservation history for Herring Gulls is mixed. Populations crashed in the 19th century due to feather hunting but recovered after legal protections. More recently, overfishing, pollution, and changes to waste management have affected food availability. Still widespread, Herring Gulls remain carefully studied to monitor ecosystem health and long-term survival trends.
7. Thayer’s Gull
- Scientific name: Larus glaucoides thayeri
- Life span: 15–20 years
- Size: 21–24 in / 53–61 cm
- Weight: 28–40 oz / 800–1130 g
- Wingspan: 47–54 in / 119–137 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by April to return to Arctic breeding areas.
Thayer’s Gulls, now considered a subspecies of Iceland Gull by many authorities, are seen mainly along the Pacific coast of North America during winter, including California. They carry a subtle beauty: their backs are a light to medium gray, their wings pale with soft brownish markings in young birds.
Adults have a cleaner look, with pale eyes and a rather gentle expression compared to heavier gulls. Their pink legs and relatively small bills give them a softer, more delicate silhouette when mixed into flocks at coastal lagoons and beaches.
Thayer’s Gulls nest in remote Arctic tundra regions, building shallow nests among rocks or low vegetation near freshwater ponds. Their nesting sites are isolated and often hard to reach, helping them avoid most land predators. The pair share incubation duties, and chicks must quickly learn to forage in the harsh northern environment.
In winter, Thayer’s Gulls adapt their diet to what coastal waters offer. They eat fish, invertebrates, and scavenge along beaches. Some even follow fishing boats offshore. Their feeding style is relatively reserved compared to noisier gulls, and they often forage quietly along shorelines or estuaries.
Thayer’s Gull conservation mainly involves Arctic habitat protection, though populations are small and spread out. The taxonomic lumping into Iceland Gull has complicated population tracking. Continued research in breeding and wintering areas is important, especially as changing Arctic climates could influence both food sources and nesting success in coming decades.
8. Iceland Gull
- Scientific name: Larus glaucoides
- Life span: 15–20 years
- Size: 19–24 in / 48–61 cm
- Weight: 24–36 oz / 680–1020 g
- Wingspan: 45–51 in / 114–130 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Departs by early spring toward Arctic nesting sites.
The Iceland Gull, a rare but regular visitor to California in winter, breeds far to the north in Arctic regions. Its appearance is notably delicate among gulls, with pale gray backs, white heads, and light wingtips that almost blend into snowy skies.
Their legs are pink, and the bill is slimmer than that of many similar-sized gulls, often showing a small amount of dark coloration near the tip. They often appear elegant and understated when standing quietly among larger, louder gulls on winter beaches.
Iceland Gulls breed along isolated Arctic coasts and islands, where they make shallow nests lined with moss and grasses on rocky ledges. These solitary nesting habits help avoid the high competition found in gull colonies further south. Both parents care for the eggs and chicks, braving unpredictable northern weather conditions.
Their diet is wide-ranging but often centered around fish, marine invertebrates, and scavenged remains. Iceland Gulls forage along coastlines and shallow waters, picking through tide lines or feeding offshore. They move gracefully compared to bulkier gull species, and their feeding behaviours are often quiet and efficient.
While considered stable overall, Iceland Gulls face growing pressure from climate change affecting Arctic breeding areas. As glaciers melt and sea ice recedes, changes in prey availability could impact their success. Monitoring efforts continue, particularly during winter migrations to southern coasts, where their subtle beauty makes them favourites among birdwatchers.
9. Mew Gull
- Scientific name: Larus canus
- Life span: 10–15 years
- Size: 16–17 in / 41–43 cm
- Weight: 11–16 oz / 310–450 g
- Wingspan: 39–42 in / 99–107 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Migrates north by late March or early April.
Mew Gulls are found around the Pacific Northwest, extending down the California coast in winter. Smaller and daintier than many of their relatives, Mew Gulls have a soft gray back, bright yellow bill without any markings, and greenish-yellow legs.
Their head and body are crisp white, giving them a fresh, clean look. They often look rounder and more compact compared to other gulls, and their gentle calls often mix into the soundscape of bays, estuaries, and city waterfronts during the cooler months.
Mew Gulls nest in coastal tundra, marshes, and sometimes near freshwater lakes. They build modest nests on the ground, made from grasses and reeds, often hidden well among vegetation. Solitary or loosely grouped, these gulls prefer quieter spots away from the dense, noisy colonies favoured by larger gull species.
During migration and winter, Mew Gulls eat a mix of insects, small fish, and plant material. They often forage along beaches, tidal flats, and even in parks or agricultural fields. Their more delicate bill and agile flight help them pick food with precision rather than brute force.
Mew Gulls remain common, but conservationists keep watch as habitat loss in breeding and wintering grounds could impact populations. Their preference for quieter, less disturbed areas means increasing development could pose future challenges. Maintaining wetlands and reducing human disturbance in sensitive areas helps secure the Mew Gull’s peaceful niche.
10. Bonaparte’s Gull
- Scientific name: Chroicocephalus philadelphia
- Life span: 10–14 years
- Size: 11–13 in / 28–33 cm
- Weight: 5–8 oz / 140–230 g
- Wingspan: 30–32 in / 76–81 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Heads north by late spring to boreal forests.
Bonaparte’s Gulls are some of the smallest gulls you’ll see along California’s coast, especially during migration and winter. Breeding adults have a sleek black head, but by the time they reach California, most show a clean white face with a small dark spot behind the eye.
Their backs are light gray, and their bills are thin and black, giving them a sharp, graceful appearance. Bonaparte’s Gulls often feed in lively flocks over shallow waters, their quick, delicate flight style setting them apart from larger, heavier gulls nearby.
Bonaparte’s Gulls breed in remote northern forests near lakes and bogs, nesting in trees unlike most gulls. They build small platform nests high above the ground, hidden among branches. Their secretive breeding behaviour is unusual among gulls and helps protect them from ground-based predators common in tundra regions.
Their diet is nimble and varied. Bonaparte’s Gulls hunt small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, often picking prey off the water surface while flying. They also forage in fields during migration, looking for insects and worms disturbed by rain or plowing. Their light, quick movements make them skilled aerial feeders.
Conservation concerns for Bonaparte’s Gulls are relatively low, though they depend on healthy boreal forest wetlands. Climate change and wetland drainage could pose future threats. Researchers monitor breeding areas closely, ensuring that these charming, agile gulls continue to thrive in the remote, watery landscapes they depend on each summer.
11. Franklin’s Gull
- Scientific name: Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Life span: 8–10 years
- Size: 13–15 in / 33–38 cm
- Weight: 7–10 oz / 200–280 g
- Wingspan: 33–36 in / 84–91 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Passes through in spring, heading north by May.
Franklin’s Gulls pass through California mostly during migration, coming from their breeding grounds in the northern prairies. These gulls are distinctive, especially during spring migration when many still show traces of their black hoods and pinkish underparts from breeding plumage.
Their backs are a soft gray, and their bills are reddish, giving them a splash of color. Franklin’s Gulls are slightly smaller and lighter-built than many common gulls, and they often move through in lively, noisy flocks, especially near wetlands and coastal lagoons.
Franklin’s Gulls nest in large colonies on freshwater marshes in the northern Great Plains. They build floating platform nests anchored among cattails or reeds, often right on the water. These colonies are bustling, noisy places full of calls, fights, and constant movement, with birds tightly packed to protect against predators.
Their diet consists of insects, especially during breeding season, along with fish, worms, and some grains. Franklin’s Gulls forage in flooded fields, wetlands, and shallow waters, picking prey from the surface. During migration, they are often seen sweeping over fields or following plows to catch stirred-up insects.
Historically, Franklin’s Gulls were heavily impacted by wetland drainage and habitat loss. While many populations have recovered, especially with wetland restoration efforts, they remain vulnerable to changes in water management and agriculture. Conservationists continue working to preserve the large, healthy marshes essential for their breeding success and long migrations.
Where to find Gulls in California
Finding gulls in California is as easy as heading to almost any stretch of coast, but if you want to see a real variety, it helps to know where to go. Start by visiting beaches, harbours, and inland lakes, especially during the fall and winter months when the most species are around. Bring a pair of binoculars, take your time, and watch for different sizes, beak shapes, and markings—gulls change a lot as they age, which makes identifying them even more interesting.
Some of the best places to see a wide range of gulls are San Francisco Bay, especially around the piers and tidal flats; Salton Sea, where thousands of gulls gather in winter; La Jolla Cove near San Diego, a great spot for both common and rare coastal species; and Bodega Bay in Sonoma County, where you can find mixed flocks year-round. Early morning is usually best, when the birds are most active and the beaches are less crowded. Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first—gulling takes practice. Part of the fun is simply being outside, watching the subtle differences and behaviours that make each species unique. You’ll get better with every outing.
Conclusion
Gull watching in California offers a chance to see a surprising variety of species in some truly beautiful places. With a little patience and practice, spotting and identifying them becomes a rewarding experience. Whether you’re on the coast or inland, there’s always something new to discover among the gulls.
