Herring Gull - Larus argentatus
General Description
Adults have white heads, necks and body; the head and sides of breast streaked dusky brown in winter. Light gray back and wings with a black wing-tips. Bill yellow to light orange and pink feet.
Distribution
Montana Range
Observations in Montana: 84
Montana CountiesBroadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Flathead, Garfield, Granite, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Liberty, Lincoln, Madison, McCone, Meagher, Missoula, Phillips, Ravalli, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sanders, Sheridan, Stillwater, Toole, Valley, Wheatland, Yellowstone
Habitat
Mainly islands and areas around water. Sometimes found in rocky or sandy cliffs; occasionally on rooftops near water.
Food Habits
Diet consists of marine invertebrates, fishes, insects, other seabirds, and adults, eggs, and young of congeners.
Reproductive Characteristics
Single brooded species with three eggs per clutch. Incubation period 24-28 days. Young able to fly 35 days after hatch.