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How to Identify Cape Cod Seagulls

Cape gulls include Laughing Gulls (above), Herring Gulls (below left) and Greater Black-backed Gulls (right bottom)

As you sit by the shore on a sunny summer day, your reverie may be suddenly interrupted by the loud squawking of a gull. Instead of discounting the sound, take a few moments to study its source--as well as the other gulls in the area. Soon, it will be apparent that if you've seen one gull, you certainly haven't seen them all.

On the Cape, you will encounter a variety of gulls, and with so many hybrids it does get confusing differentiating among them at times.

Among the largest and most common gulls is the Herring Gull. It stands between 23 and 26 inches, and has a white body and grey wing span. The red spot on its yellow beak makes it more easily identifiable.

Large, brownish gulls may also be in the vicinity of Herring Gulls. Their beaks, however, are dark brown or brown with a black tip. They are not another type of gull; rather, they are immature Herring Gulls. It takes up to 5 years for a Herring Gull to reach mature plumage.

Another large gull is the Great Black-backed Gull. Larger than the Herring Gull, it stands between 28 and 31 inches tall. The distinctive black back, wings with white underparts and pinkish legs make this gull easy to identify.

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is smaller and has yellow legs. Although it is more a European bird, this gull is still sometimes see on our coast.

Black-backed Gulls also take several years to reach mature plumage. The young are a brownish color like Herring Gulls, yet are a bit larger.

You may also see Laughing Gulls on the shore. This is a small gull (15"-17") with a black hood. (Do not confuse this with a tern. Terns are smaller with black caps and forked tails.) The Laughing Gull's call, which sounds like a quick "ha-ha-ha" gave it its name.

One good way to get a close-up view of a gull is to leave a cooler open on the beach. These highly adaptable birds make rich diets from food left behind by beach-goers. However, remember to bring your litter with you after a day at the beach.