ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Franklin's Gull

Franklin's Gull

Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery

These diminutive gulls are sometimes called "prairie pigeons," with good reason. Their small, delicate stature is somewhat pigeon-like, and the primary breeding grounds are in the prairies of the northern Great Plains.

Franklin's Gull

Larus pipixcan

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 24-25 days

• Clutch Size: 3 eggs

• Young Fledge: 32 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects, fish, plant matter, and worms

Description
In breeding plumage, this gull has a black hood that makes it look similar to the laughing gull, but the Franklin's gull is smaller and lighter in color.

Habitat and Habits
This gull can be found in large open lakes, rivers and Lake Erie, although they are sometimes seen feeding in recently plowed agricultural fields. We get relatively few in Ohio, with most occurrences in late fall. Sometimes an invasion occurs, at which time dozens might be reported. Franklin's gull gives a loud, piercing ayyeeah of three syllables, and also a harsh, rapid kek-kek, usually given in pairs. Calls lack the maniacal quality of the laughing gulls.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Gulls nest in colonies. Nests are placed on a loose platform of floating vegetation in marshes.