Bird GuideGulls and TernsBlack-tailed Gull
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Black-tailed Gull

Black-tailed Gull
Larus crassirostris
At a Glance Range & Identification Back to Top

At a Glance

Common along the coastlines of eastern Asia, this gull has wandered to western Alaska a few times. Isolated birds have been found at a wide variety of other sites from coast to coast in North America. Although these far-flung strays may have been assisted in their arrival, perhaps resting on ships for part of their journey, they also might have wandered there on their own.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Gull-like Birds
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers, Landfills and Dumps

Range & Identification

Description

18" Adult has well-defined black tail band, yellow bill with black band and red tip. Dark gray back and wings with black wingtips. First-winter bird very dark brown with pale face.
Size
About the size of a Mallard or Herring Gull
Tail Shape
Rounded, Short, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

Seldom vocalizes as a vagrant. Gives a "kaoo-kaoo" call.