Gulls

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

The most common large gull in Southeast Alaska, with pale gray wingtips that match the mantle. Adults have a white head, pink legs, and a yellow bill with a red spot.

Current regional viewing notes

Hoonah harbor, ferry terminal, beaches, and fishing docks; abundant throughout Icy Strait.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Coastal areas, harbors, beaches, tidal flats, and open ocean.

Diet

Fish, shellfish, marine invertebrates, garbage, carrion, and eggs.

Natural history note

Glaucous-winged Gulls frequently hybridize with Herring Gulls and Western Gulls where their ranges overlap, creating a confusing spectrum of intermediate plumages.