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Photo by Jim McCormac |
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The seasonal shifts in this species' distribution are profound. In spring, we get small flocks of the Bonaparte's gull moving north through the state, looking resplendent under their black hoods. In fall, numbers are far greater, with huge concentrations along Lake Erie peaking in November and December. Numbers estimated at 100,000 have staged at favorable locales. Sometimes, rare gulls like little or black-headed gulls are found in these flocks. |
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Bonaparte's Gull
Larus philadelphia
At-a-Glance
• Peak Breeding Activity: July-October
• Incubation: 24 days
• Clutch Size: 2-4 eggs
• Typical Foods: small fish, crustaceans, snails, and marine worms
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Description
The Bonaparte's gull is a small, almost tern-like gull. It has a small, black bill and red legs. In the summer it has a black head, while in the winter the head is white with a black ear spot. A good identifying characteristic is the long wedge of white on the fore edge of the wing.
Habitat and Habits
This gull inhabits open waters of lakes and large rivers. It collects in great concentrations along Lake Erie in areas where there are large winter kills of gizzard shad. The Bonaparte's gull makes a tern-like grrr-grrr grating and flocks create a cacophony.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
These gulls nest together in large numbers. The grayish to greenish-brown eggs are laid in a scrape in the ground lined with grasses. |
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