Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

Nest.—Abundantly around Great Salt Lake, placing their nests generally upon the bare ground. Three or four eggs constitute a set, and they are the usual color of the Gulls’.

SHORT-BILLED GULL.

55. Larus brachyrhynchus. 17 inches.

The short-billed Gull or American Mew Gull is much like the European variety. Adults in breeding plumage; mantle pearly gray; rest of white; outer primary nearly black with a white spot at the end. Bill, feet and legs greenish.

Nest.—On islands in the lakes and rivers of Alaska. The nest is generally made of moss, grass and weeds and placed on the ground.

Range.—Breeds from the interior of British Columbia to Alaska. Winters in the south to Lower California.

HEERMANN GULL.

57. Larus heermanni. 17 inches.

A handsome little species, often called the White-headed Gull. In summer the entire head, neck and throat are white, with a red bill and legs. The body color shades abruptly from the neck into slaty, both the upper and under parts. The primaries and tail are black.