Birds of North America Illustrations

California Gull Breeding Adult: Moderately large gull with white body, gray wings, and black wing tips. Bill is yellow with diagnostic red and black spot near tip of bill. Legs are yellow; eye is dark with red orbital ring. Sexes are similar. Winter adult develops brown streaks on back of head and nape. Juvenile is mottled gray-brown overall with dark wing tips, pink legs, and black bill that becomes pink-based during 1st winter; back turns pale gray, underparts lighten, and legs turn yellow-green by 2nd winter.