Bonaparte’s Gull
Chroicocephalus philadelphia
A small, delicate gull with a slim black bill and a dark ear spot in winter plumage.
- Bird group
- Shorebirds & wading birds
- Where to look
- Lakes & the Salton Sea
- Explore the region
- Coachella Valley bird guide
What to notice
- A small, delicate gull with a slim black bill and a dark ear spot in winter plumage.
Where to look
Lakes & the Salton Sea
When to look
Bonaparte’s Gulls are often spotted at the Salton Sea during their migratory journey.
Next time you are outside
A small, delicate gull with a slim black bill and a dark ear spot in winter plumage.
Habitat guidance is not a guaranteed sighting. Photographs may have been taken outside the valley.
Through the lens.
Select any photograph for a closer look. Move through the gallery with the arrows or a swipe.
This is a regional bird guide; photographs may also come from places beyond the valley. Locations are noted when available.
Know what to notice.
A small, elegant gull known for its light, buoyant flight and slender build. It is distinct from many other gull species and has a delicate, agile appearance and a fine, sharp bill. During the non-breeding season, it sports a white head with a distinctive black ear spot, and its wings show contrasting black wingtips when in flight. In breeding season, its head turns a striking black, making it easy to recognize.
Bonaparte’s Gulls are often spotted at the Salton Sea during their migratory journey. They gather in flocks along the shorelines and open waters, where they feed on insects, small fish, and other aquatic life. The Salton Sea provides a crucial habitat for these gulls, especially as they travel southward for winter. Observing these birds at sunrise or sunset reveals a beautiful contrast in their white feathers against the golden and soft hues of the desert landscape, adding to the serene beauty of this unique environment.
Places Seen📍: Salton Sea State Recreation Area
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