Gulls

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

A medium-sized gull with a gentle expression, dark eyes, and a small yellow-green bill. Formerly known as Mew Gull, it was split into its own species in 2021.

Current regional viewing notes

Beaches, mudflats, and harbors around Hoonah; common on playing fields and parking lots in town.

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

Habitat

Coastal bays, estuaries, rivers, lakes, and open grassy areas.

Diet

Insects, fish, earthworms, marine invertebrates, and berries.

Natural history note

The Short-billed Gull was split from the Eurasian Common Gull (Mew Gull) and recognized as a distinct North American species by the AOS in 2021.