Birds of South Marble: Glaucous-winged Gull

Glaucous-winged gulls are graceful fliers and are often seen perched on icebergs or boat railings.

NPS Photo/S. Schaller

Glaucous-winged Gull, Larus glaucescens

 
These large gulls nest together on more level ground of South Marble Island. "Glaucous" means gray, referring to the backs of their wings. They nest on the ground, typically laying 3 eggs. A red dot near the tip of their large yellow beak provides a target for young hungry chicks to peck to initiate feeding. The large fluffy gray chicks walking near nests in mid-to-late summer will need four years to reach breeding age and achieve adult plumage.

Measurements

Wingspan	Length	Weight
58"	26"	2.2 lbs/1000 g

Know before you go: South Marble Island is closed to camping and foot traffic year-round. All vessels (including kayaks) must remain further than 50 yards from the southern half of South Marble Island and remain further than 100 yards from nesting seabird colonies. Binoculars are advised.