Graceful and tern-like in many of its actions, this striking little gull displays flashing white outer primaries that contrast with a gray back.

The Bonaparte's gull is an abundant spring and fall transient along the coast, primarily over the ocean just offshore and is fairly common and widespread elsewhere in Oregon, usually in flocks of less than 100. Larger flocks of up to 1,000 have occurred at Fern Ridge Reservoir in Lane County, during extreme storm conditions, and in the Klamath Basin.

Hear the call of the Bonaparte's gull

Photo by Martyne Reesman, ODFW