Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is a large, robust bird commonly found along coastlines and inland waterways. Known for its distinctive red spot on the beak, this gull is often seen mingling with flocks of smaller Ring-billed Gulls, making it a familiar sight for birdwatchers year-round.
| 🇫🇷 | Goéland argenté |
| 🇩🇪 | Amerikanische Silbermöwe, Kanadamöwe |
| 🇲🇽 | Gaviota argéntea |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
How to Identify
The Herring Gull, while bearing a resemblance to the Ring-billed Gull, can be distinguished by the prominent red spot on its beak. Additionally, its larger size is a notable characteristic, especially when observed in flocks alongside the smaller Ring-billed Gulls.
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Characteristics
| Length | 53-66cm |
| Weight | 600–1650g |
| Wingspan | 120-155cm |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 eggs |
| Incubation | 26-33 days |
| Fledging | 6 weeks |
| Sexual Maturity | 4 years |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
Although less common, the Herring Gull can be observed year-round along riverbanks. A favored location for spotting these birds is Rapids Park Lachine, where they often rest in flocks on elevated areas within the river.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parc Angrignon | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | - | - | - | x |
| Parc des Rapides, Lachine | - | - | - | x |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.