Gulls and Terns

Order: Charadriiformes

Family: Laridae

88 species

HABITAT AND RANGE:

coastal or aquatic habitats worldwide;

DESCRIPTION:

20-75 cm; typically patterned black and white, sexually monochromatic; age-related plumage polymorphism; wings long, pointed; tail square or forked; feet webbed; hallux small;

FOOD:

gulls are generalist feeders on variety of marine organisms and refuse; terns usually dive after fish;

BREEDING:

generally colonial breeders; males slightly larger; monogamous; biparental care; generally 2-3 eggs.

SOUNDS:

Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans calling

Little Tern Sterna albifrons calling

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis calling

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus calling

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