Heermann's Gull is one of the most distinctive gulls in North America — adults have a white head, red bill, and dark gray body, unlike any other gull. Nearly its entire world population breeds on Isla Rasa in Baja California. It migrates northward after breeding, appearing on California beaches in summer. It steals fish from Brown Pelicans.
Habitat
Pacific Coast beaches from California to British Columbia in summer; Baja California when breeding
Diet
Fish stolen from pelicans and caught directly
How common
Common
Recent Heermann's Gull sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Heermann's Gull? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free