Description:

The numbers of this bird increases during winter when returning from its nesting site at the Great Basin. These birds eat dead fish, small birds, and other small animals.


Appearance:

Light gray back. White underparts, head, and tail. Greenish-yellow feet. Black ring around bill. Young are a mottled brown. Takes 3 years to aquire adult plumage. 18 to 20 inches in length.


Habitat:

Lakes, rivers, and salt waters.


Nesting:

2-4 spotted buff or olive eggs with an incubation period of 21 days. Fledging occurs ? days after hatching. The nest is a hollow in the ground lined with grass or debris. This bird nest's in colonies with other gulls or terns.


Observed Locations:

• Lake Murray, La Mesa
• Mission Bay, San Diego