As I photographed a winter California Gull at my local pond two days ago, I thought about how these gulls are a misnamed species for the umpteenth time.
Portrait of a California Gull calling in spring of 2015 – Nikon D810, f10, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.3 EV. Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
California Gulls do breed in some small areas of California; that is true. These large, white-headed gulls also breed in much larger numbers in other geographical areas of the Interior West.
Take a peek at the range map for this species on Allaboutbirds.org.
It is easy to see that California Gulls are year round residents in only little areas of California.
Winter California Gull floating on silvery water – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
But they are year round residents in areas of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Montana which means they nest in those locations too.
While the name “California Gull” might suggest that they are primarily found in California, their range and habitat extend far beyond the state’s borders, making them a common sight in several western states.
I see and photograph California Gulls in the Great Basin of Utah all year long. This is the gull I photographed two days ago.
California Gull in winter plumage, January 2022– Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
California Gulls do seem misnamed to me much like “Ring-billed Duck” would be a better name for that waterfowl species because the ring of a Ring-necked Duck isn’t always as visible as the ring on their bill is.
With all of the bird name changes that will be happening in 2024, perhaps adding a few misnamed birds to the list wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Just a thought.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my California Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love the Gull portrait. The eye contact is remarkable. Great pics. Thanks Mia.
We should name them seagull so 3/4 the population would get it right.
Bird names are frequently on the weird side. And yes, some changes would be good. This gull, whatever it is called, is a stunner.
Nooooo! You can’t take my California Gulls from me! 😉😂 There are a few “lost souls” that are year-round residents in my area — can’t miss those red and black beak markings.