Yellow-footed Gull

The Yellow-footed Gull, Larus livens, presents a striking figure with its white head, dark slate-colored back, and wings. A robust yellow bill complements its yellow legs, distinguishing it from its first winter counterparts, which exhibit pink legs akin to the Western Gull. This species, sharing the title of the world's fourth-largest gull with the Slaty-backed Gull, is marginally larger than the Western Gull. Adults reach lengths of 53 to 72 cm and boast wingspans of 140 to 160 cm. Weights range from 930 to 1,500 grams, with wing chords measuring 40 to 46 cm, bills from 5.0 to 6.2 cm, and tarsi from 5.9 to 7.5 cm. Full plumage is attained at the age of three.

Identification Tips

To identify the Yellow-footed Gull, look for the combination of a white head, dark slate-colored back, and wings, along with the distinctive yellow legs and bill. The bird's size is also a helpful indicator, as it is one of the largest gulls, slightly surpassing the Western Gull in dimensions.

Habitat

These gulls favor the sandy and rocky coasts or islands of the Gulf of California, often with sparse vegetation. They are adapted to the coastal environment where they breed and forage.

Distribution

Endemic to the Gulf of California in Mexico, the Yellow-footed Gull is primarily non-migratory. However, some individuals venture to California's Salton Sea and southwards to Sonora during nonbreeding periods.

Behaviour

The Yellow-footed Gull is both a scavenger and a forager, feeding on small fish, invertebrates, carcasses of marine mammals, offal, and occasionally preying on seabird chicks and eggs, including those of pelicans. They are known to scavenge around waste dumps and docks for refuse but rarely travel far inland. Nesting occurs on beaches just above the high tide line, where they defend a small territory. The nest is a simple scrape in the sand, lined with seaweed or dry plant material, and typically contains three olive or buff-colored eggs with dark blotches.

Breeding

Breeding takes place in the Gulf of California, where nests are established in April, either independently or in colonies. Both parents likely share incubation duties, and the young fledge at approximately seven weeks of age.

Conservation status

With an estimated population of around 60,000 individuals and a stable trend, the Yellow-footed Gull is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Yellow-footed Gull includes small fish, invertebrates, and the remains of marine mammals. They also consume offal and are known to prey on the eggs and chicks of other seabirds. Their scavenging behavior extends to waste dumps and docks, although they seldom venture far from the coast.