• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

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Heermann's Gull

(Larus heermanni)
 
Hermann's Gull
Second year Heermann's Gull at Baker Beach.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: Heermann's Gull feeds on marine fishes, invertebrates, and scavenges material along shorelines, beaches, and offshore kelp beds. It breeds off the Mexican Coast.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in the ocean, bays, tidal sand areas, areas of tidal rock, and around piers and pilings.

Frequency: This species is common in summer, fall, and winter but uncommon during the spring.

Identifying Characteristics: Heermann's Gull can be noted by its dark gray color with a black tail, whitish head, and red bill.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

Crissy Field around 1940

During 1941 and 1942, Japanese-American language specialists were trained at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Crissy Field.