A very small gull that looks similar to terns especially in flight. Nests in the northern half of the province near lakes and ponds. Unique among gulls for often using abandoned nests in the trees of other birds to lay their eggs and raise their young in. Feeds mostly on insects but also fish and shrimp during migration. Commonly seen on the coast during spring and fall migration. Many migrate south as far as central Mexico. Usually found near or on water and not often seen in fields with other gulls. A two year gull; acquires adult plumage in its second summer.
Similar species:
A small gull that could appear like a tern at first glance. Franklin’s Gull (accidental to the checklist area) and Black-headed Gull (not recorded) are similar. Pay attention to wing pattern and bill and leg colour.
Best viewing locations:
Seen annually from Island 22 Regional Park, the lower reaches of the Vedder River and at Harrison Lake.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 04-May-2011 | Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack | C. McDonald, 2011b | Three breeding plumagd adults feeding on insect hatch with Mew Gulls over Fraser River. |
| 27-Apr-2011 | Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park, Popkum | C. McDonald, 2011a | Two in breeding plumage perched on logs in lake. |
| 03-Apr-2011 | Harrison Lake | M. Williams, 2011 | First summer plumage |
| 01-Oct-2010 | Kerr Road, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden, 2010b | First winter plumage in corn stubble field with other gulls |
| 03-Nov-2009 | Vedder Canal, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden, 2009 | Feeding on salmon eggs with other gulls |
| 19-Oct-2009 | Harrison Lake | K. R. Jones, 2009b | Flock of over 100 evading PEFA, 2 BAEA and RTHA. Most ever detected at the same time in checklist area. |
| 13-Nov-2008 | Kent | M. Brown, 2008b | Feeding in a field |
| 04-May-2000 | Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park, Popkum | G. Gadsden, 2000 | Adult in breeding plumage perched on log in lake. |
Photos
