Franklin's Gull
Where to Look
- Ports and harbours
Similar Galapagos Species
Laughing Gull
Identification
Easily confused with larger Laughing Gull. Laughing gull has a longer bill, less steeply sloping forehead and bulkier build than Franklin’s Gull.
Description
Non-breeding adults are white overall with grey backs and scruffy black crowns and face. They have blackish legs and feet, a dark bill with a red tip and an incomplet white eye-ring. Sexes are alike. Juveniles resemble adults, but have scruffy grey backs with brown markings.
Galapagos Distribution
Found throughout coastal regions of the main archipelago. Occurs throughout the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Global Distribution
Widespread breeding visitor across central Canada and central USA, overwintering along the west coast of South America.
Status in the Galapagos
Common non-breeding visitor, between October and May.