Mew Gull

We found this Mew Gull on 3 September 2019 at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The bird is in a second-winter plumage, similar to a Ring-billed Gull. The Mew Gull is somewhat smaller and has grayer legs than a Ring-billed. The head shape is also subtly different—the Mew Gull’s head is rounder, giving it a more dainty look.

Although somewhat catholic in its habitat preferences—it breeds in salt and fresh water and on the ground or in trees—Mew Gull breeding is restricted to Alaska and northwestern Canada, south along the coast to Vancouver Island. Most winter along coastal North America, although a few regularly stray to the central United States and south-central Canada. Despite the restricted New World breeding range, the species also occurs across most of Eurasia. Although preferring fish, Mew Gulls also consume insects and other invertrabates, grain, and berries. They also often hang out at sewage treatment pools (Moskoff and Bevier 2002).