Most people are familiar with seagulls, but have you ever heard of Heermann’s Gull? This striking bird is native to the western coast of North America and is named after Adolphus Lewis Heermann, a 19th-century American naturalist. In this blog post, we’ll explore some interesting facts about this fascinating bird.
## Basic Description
Heermann’s Gull has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other gulls. It has a dark grey-brown body with black wings and tail feathers. Its head and neck are white, while its beak is bright red-orange in color. During breeding season, adult birds develop a dark patch behind their eyes which fades during non-breeding season.
## Where To Find This Bird
As mentioned earlier, Heermann’s Gull is found along the western coast of North America from southern California to Baja California in Mexico. They are often seen near rocky cliffs or beaches where they can find an ample supply of food.
## Habitat
Unlike many other gulls that prefer open ocean habitats, Heermann’s Gull tends to stick close to shorelines or islands where there are plenty of small fish such as anchovies and sardines for them to feed on. They also nest in colonies on offshore islands or secluded beaches.
## Food
As mentioned earlier, the primary source of food for these birds consists of small fish like anchovies and sardines which they catch by diving into the water at high speeds. However, they will also eat crustaceans like crabs or shrimp when available.
## Cool Facts
– One unique feature about these birds is that they breed later than most other seabirds – usually between June and August.
– During breeding season male birds can be quite aggressive towards each other over nesting sites.
– The name “Heermann” comes from American ornithologist Adolphus Lewis Heerman who first identified this species in the mid-19th century.
– They have a distinctive call that sounds like “harsh” or “cawing.”
In conclusion, Heermann’s Gull is a fascinating bird to learn about. Their unique appearance and feeding habits make them stand out from other gulls found along the western coast of North America. If you ever have the opportunity to spot one of these birds on your next beach trip, take a moment to appreciate their beauty and uniqueness!
