
Glaucous-winged Gull (also known as Grey-winged Gull)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Laridae, Genus: Larus, Species: L. glaucescens
Family: Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a slightly rounded tip and elongated, tapered outline, typical of a flight feather
- Size
- Approximately 8 to 10 inches long, consistent with a medium-sized gull primary flight feather
- Rarity
- Very Common within its native Pacific Northwest coastal range
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Description
The Glaucous-winged Gull is a large, bulky gull with pale grey mantle and wings, pinkish legs, and white head and underparts. Found frequently along Pacific beaches, they are resourceful scavengers and predators.
Colour & Pattern
Pale greyish-white with a subtle gradient and a darker subterminal brownish-grey area near the rounded tip, showing typical gulls' melanin-based pigmentation
Barb Structure
Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules across the upper portion, transitioning to a slightly plumulaceous base near the calamus
Texture & Surface
Smooth, firm, and slightly stiff vane designed to withstand air resistance during flight, with a matte appearance
Key Features
Pale grey coloration with a lighter or frosted wingtip pattern, robust white-to-pale rachis, and stiff pennaceous structure without stark black wingtip markings
Habitat
Coastal marine environments, beaches, rocky shores, estuaries, and urban areas near water
Geographic Range
Pacific coast of North America from Alaska down to Washington, Oregon, and northern California
Ecological Role
Acts as an important coastal scavenger and apex marine predator, helping regulate intertidal populations and clean organic debris
Similar Species
Western Gull and Mew Gull, distinguished primarily by darker wingtip markings in Western Gulls and smaller overall size in Mew Gulls
Interesting Facts
Glaucous-winged Gulls frequently hybridize with Western Gulls where their ranges overlap, producing offspring with variable wingtip patterns
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor wear at the tip, intact barbs, and no major structural damage or staining
Notes
Found in Seattle by a beach