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Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

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43.1654, -70.5928

Field Notes

Description:

From allaboutbirds.org:
The Herring Gull is the quintessential basic "seagull," with no distinctive characters that immediately set it apart from other gull species. The characteristic gull of the North Atlantic, it can be found across much of North America.

Habitat:

Breeds on islands.
Forages and winters at sea, along beaches and mudflats, at dumps, and other areas where human-produced food is available.
Rests in open areas, including parking lots, fields, and airports.

Notes:

Interesting fact:
The Herring Gull regularly drinks fresh water when it is available. If none is around, the gull will drink seawater. Special glands located over its eyes allow it to excrete the salt. The salty excretion can be seen dripping out of the gull's nostrils and off the end of its bill.

Species ID Suggestions

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Photographed
PublishedSeptember 24, 2011

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