GULLS 
231 
exposure to light. The juvenile can best be distinguished by the wing pattern, in which 
the primaries contain large white areas and the wrist is almost all white. 
Field Marks. The whiteness of the wings, and prominent white wrists make the best 
field mark for all plumages. The coral legs and black bill also assist in recognition (Figure 
333c). Either this or Franklin’s Gull can be distinguished from the terns, which they may 
resemble in life, by the decided wing pattern instead of the pale, even greyness of those 
species. 
Nesting. Singly or in small, scattered associations in trees, a wide departure from 
custom in this class of birds usually (?) near small inland lakes or muskeg ponds. 
Distribution. Across the continent during migration. Nests have been reported in 
the far northwest, the interior of Alaska, central Alberta, and the west side of Hudson Bay. 
In migration common throughout all parts of southern Canada. 
Economic Status. Much that has been said of Franklin’s Gull might 
be repeated here as it often joins flocks of that species and has very similar 
habits, though it does not spend as much time in cultivated sections. 
57. Heermann’s Gull, white headed gull, le goeland de heermann. Larus 
heermanni. L, 17-50-20. A distinctively coloured gull. Adult in summer: grey, darker 
to plumbeous above, lighter to ashy below, with black wings and tail, and white head 
usually slightly speckled when seen in our waters. Bill, bright red. Adults in autumn: 
heads heavily marked or speckled with brown, the head above darker than neck; chin and 
throat white. Juveniles are uniform dark brown, chin in some cases whitish. 
Figure 337 
Heermann’s Gull: scale, £. 
Winter plumage. 
Distinctions. West coast. Well characterized as above. 
Field Marks. A grey gull with light or white head, red bill, and black feet. 
Nesting. On the ground amidst rocks and stones on level spots of lonely rocks and 
islets. 
Distribution. Breeding along the shores of Lower California, migrating in autumn 
northward to Vancouver Island, but rarely winters there. 
