Larus atricilla

A small coastal gull. The dark mantle blends into black wing tips. White edge on rear of wing. In summer, head black; in winter, white with dark smudge. Immature: First year; very dark with a white rump and a white border on the trailing edge of the wing. Second year; Paler or whiter on the chest and forehead.

Voice - A strident laugh, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-haah-haah-haah, etc.

Range - Coast; Nova Scotia to Venezuela. Winters south to south of US.

Habitat - Salt marshes, lakes; in winter, coasts, ocean.