Western Gull look-alikes

Key differences

The Glaucous-winged Gull has a paler gray mantle, often appearing silvery-gray, and lacks the distinct black wingtips of the Western Gull. Its wingtips are pale gray, blending with the rest of the wing. It also has a flesh-colored bill with a red spot, rather than yellow, and often has a darker eye. Hybrids (known as 'Olympic Gulls') are common where their ranges overlap.

Key differences

Herring Gulls have a lighter gray mantle than Western Gulls and typically have pinker legs (though Western Gulls also have pink legs). The key difference is the mantle color and the extent of black on the wingtips. Herring Gulls have more extensive black on the wingtips with larger white mirrors. Herring Gulls are primarily found on the Atlantic coast and inland, with limited overlap on the Pacific.

Key differences

California Gulls are smaller and more slender than Western Gulls. They have a darker gray mantle, but not as dark as the Western Gull. Their legs are typically yellowish-green (though can sometimes appear pinkish), and their bill is smaller, yellow with a red and black spot near the tip. Their eye is dark, unlike the pale eye of the Western Gull.