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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.

Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings

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.

"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 my park visit journals.

Identification and Similar Species

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.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-01-15