Bird Guide

Belcher's Gull vs Pacific Gull

Belcher's Gull (Larus belcheri)

Belcher's Gull

Larus belcheri

Large639 gMarine

Belcher's gull is 48–54 centimetres (19–21 in), with a wingspan of about 120 cm (47 in). The sexes are similar in appearance, and in the breeding season, the adult has a white head, very pale grey neck, and white underparts. The mantle and back are greyish-black, and the tail is white with a broad black subterminal band and a white trailing edge. The wing coverts and primaries are black and the secondaries dark grey with white tips. The eye is black, the bill yellow with a distinctive red and black tip, and the legs and feet yellow.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Ron Knight from Seaford, East Sussex, United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0
Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)

Pacific Gull

Larus pacificus

Large1.3 kgCoastal

Pacific gulls are the only large gulls in their range, besides the occasional kelp gull. This species can range in length from 58 to 66 cm (23 to 26 in) and span 137 to 157 cm (54 to 62 in) across the wings. They typically weigh from 900 to 1,180 g (1.98 to 2.60 lb). This species is mostly white, with dark wings and back, and a very thick (when compared to other gull species), powerful, red-tipped yellow bill. They have salt glands that secrete salty water through the nostrils.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY 3.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Belcher's Gull and Pacific Gull.