Name: Heermann's gull
Scientific Name: Larus heermanni (Cassin, 1852)
Family: Laridae
Group: Birds
Class: Birds
Size: 26-50 cm.
The Heermann's gull, native of the east coast of the Pacific Ocean, can migrate north in the winter, as far as Vancouver Island or south as far as Panama. It is a coastal bird, with almost exclusively marine habitats. It feeds in open waters, where it follows groups of cormorants and pelicans, and makes rapid descents to catch or even steal its fish. It also searches for food on beaches. To protect itself from the intense light, this gull secretes a reddish oily tear, which functions as sunglasses.
Photo by:
Abílio Leitão
Oceanário Location
Temperate Pacific
