23 Gull Species in Texas (with footage)

Texas, with its huge shoreline, inland lakes, estuaries, and various climates, is a outstanding hotspot for gull watching in North America. With 23 species recorded throughout the state, Texas gives birders and nature fans a chance to look at each frequent and uncommon gulls—from sleek coastal residents to sudden winter wanderers. On this article, we discover every of the 23 gull species present in Texas, highlighting their key traits, seasonal standing, and the place you’re almost certainly to come across them.

1. Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla)

The Laughing Gull is the commonest and recognizable gull alongside the Texas Gulf Coast. Recognized for its distinctive “laughing” name and placing black hood through the breeding season, this medium-sized gull is the one species that breeds recurrently in Texas. It nests in giant colonies on barrier islands and salt marshes, laying eggs in easy floor scrapes.

Current year-round, Laughing Gulls thrive in coastal habitats, from seashores and estuaries to fishing piers and parking tons. Extremely adaptable, they feed on fish, bugs, crustaceans, and human scraps—usually scavenging close to shrimp boats and docks. Their daring conduct and loud calls make them one of the seen and vocal seabirds within the area.

Though considerable, they face threats from habitat loss and disturbance, particularly on nesting islands. Nonetheless, their versatility permits them to flourish in each pure and concrete environments.

2. Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

The Ring-billed Gull is a frequent winter customer throughout Texas, particularly round lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and even city parking tons and landfills. It’s simply acknowledged by its clear white plumage, pale grey again, and the distinctive black ring encircling its yellow invoice.

Arriving in giant numbers through the fall, Ring-billed Gulls spend the cooler months in Texas earlier than migrating north to breed. They’re usually seen in dense flocks, loafing close to water or foraging on open floor, the place they feed on bugs, fish, scraps, and even bread tossed by folks. Their adaptability and boldness make them one of the acquainted inland gulls throughout winter.

Although not a breeder in Texas, their seasonal abundance makes them a key a part of the state’s winter birdscape.

3. Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan)

Franklin’s Gull is a medium-sized migratory gull that passes by means of Texas throughout spring and fall migrations. Breeding within the prairie wetlands of the northern U.S. and Canada, it makes long-distance journeys to wintering grounds in South America, with Texas serving as an essential stopover website.

In breeding plumage, it’s simply acknowledged by its jet-black hood, white eye crescents, and a delicate pinkish tint on the breast, making it one of the placing gulls in migration flocks. Throughout its transient visits, Franklin’s Gull usually gathers close to lakes, flooded fields, and coastal marshes, feeding on bugs and aquatic invertebrates earlier than persevering with its journey.

4. Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

Bonaparte’s Gull is among the smallest and most delicate gulls to grace the Texas skies, bringing a way of grace and agility not often seen in its bigger cousins. This elegant species winters alongside the Gulf Coast and inland reservoirs, arriving in Texas from its breeding grounds within the boreal forests of Canada.

In non-breeding plumage, Bonaparte’s Gull is well recognized by its crisp white head accented with a darkish ear spot, whereas breeding adults develop a modern black hood that contrasts sharply with their clear white underparts and pale grey wings. Its slim invoice and slim construct contribute to its tern-like look and flight type.

What units this gull aside is its distinctive foraging conduct. In contrast to most gulls that scavenge or choose on the floor, Bonaparte’s Gull usually catches bugs mid-flight or skims the water with precision and velocity—resembling a tern greater than a typical gull. This conduct makes it a pleasure to look at, particularly over calm lakes or quiet bays the place its aerial agility is on full show.

Although smaller and quieter than most gulls, Bonaparte’s Gull leaves an enduring impression with its refined magnificence, sleek motion, and weird feeding type.

5. Herring Gull (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)

The American Herring Gull is among the largest and most imposing gulls seen in Texas through the winter months. With its broad wingspan, pale grey mantle, and thick yellow invoice tipped with a purple spot, the grownup Herring Gull exudes a way of quiet authority wherever it lands. Its fleshy pink legs and strong construct assist distinguish it from sleeker, smaller species.

Although it breeds in northern North America, the Herring Gull is a frequent winter customer alongside the Texas coast, significantly round harbors, piers, seashores, and rocky jetties, the place it scavenges fish, refuse, and even different birds’ eggs or chicks. Inland, it could seem at giant lakes and reservoirs, loafing on shorelines or hovering overhead looking for meals.

Juvenile Herring Gulls are mottled brown and take as much as 4 years to realize grownup plumage, usually complicated observers with their variable appearances. Regardless of this, their sheer measurement, gradual wingbeats, and assertive conduct make them one of the recognizable and dominant gulls wherever they seem.

6. California Gull (Larus californicus)

The California Gull is a medium-sized gull that winters and migrates by means of the western and northern areas of Texas, making transient however common appearances at inland lakes, agricultural fields, and landfills. Although much less frequent alongside the Gulf Coast, it’s usually discovered foraging alongside different gull species in blended flocks.

It’s simply acknowledged by its darkish eye, yellowish legs, and a distinctive invoice sample—a purple spot close to the tip bordered by a black ring. This mixture helps distinguish it from the extra acquainted Ring-billed and Herring Gulls. In flight, California Gulls present clear white underwings and a reasonable construct, giving them a modern however sturdy profile.

As an opportunistic feeder, this gull thrives in human-altered landscapes, usually scavenging meals scraps or looking bugs in plowed fields. Although not considerable in Texas, it stays a dependable seasonal customer for sharp-eyed birders.

7. Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)

As soon as thought-about a rarity, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is now a common winter presence in Texas, particularly alongside the higher Gulf Coast and close to giant inland reservoirs. This placing species stands out with its slate-gray to black again, brilliant yellow legs, and crisp white head throughout non-breeding season.

Barely smaller and slimmer than the Herring Gull, the Lesser Black-backed Gull has a extra refined look, with a narrower invoice that bears a small purple spot close to the tip. Adults in full winter plumage are elegant and clean-cut, whereas youthful birds move by means of a number of plumage levels marked by dusky grays and browns.

Sometimes seen roosting with different giant gulls on sandbars, docks, or lakeshores, this species has quickly expanded its vary into North America in current many years. Its growing presence in Texas displays broader shifts in gull distribution and migration, making it a prime goal for winter birdwatchers.

8. Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)

The Glaucous Gull is a huge Arctic-breeding species and one of many largest gulls on the earth, not often however reliably seen alongside the Texas coast throughout winter. Its spectacular measurement, pale grey upperparts, and utterly white wingtips (primaries) make it unmistakable amongst winter gulls. Add to {that a} thick, yellow invoice with a purple spot, and this species instructions consideration wherever it seems.

Glaucous Gulls usually arrive in late winter, usually after chilly fronts, and are most frequently noticed round coastal jetties, bays, and beachfronts. Juveniles are uniformly pale and ponderous, missing the darkish flight feathers seen in most immature gulls.

Although unusual, the Glaucous Gull’s sheer measurement and ghostly coloration make any sighting a memorable one for Texas birders.

9. Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides kumlieni)

The Iceland Gull, particularly the Kumlien’s subspecies, is a uncommon and stylish winter customer to the higher Texas coast. Barely smaller and slimmer than the Glaucous Gull, it shares the pale, soft-gray look however has a extra refined construct, usually described as delicate and buoyant in flight.

Adults present pale grey upperwings and mild, barely patterned primaries, whereas immature birds are washed in gentle tans and lotions, with out the tough contrasts of many different younger gulls. The invoice is smaller and usually bicolored in juveniles.

Sightings in Texas normally comply with northern chilly fronts or coastal storms, particularly round harbors, piers, and open seashores. Although delicate in look, the Iceland Gull is extremely wanted by gull fans as a result of its rarity and understated magnificence.

10. Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Widespread in Europe and Asia, the Black-headed Gull is a uncommon however common winter customer alongside the Texas coast, usually showing in small numbers amongst flocks of Laughing or Bonaparte’s Gulls. Regardless of its title, the chook’s hood just isn’t really black—in breeding plumage, adults put on a deep chocolate-brown head, offset by purple legs and a purple invoice, making a placing, delicate profile.

In winter, the pinnacle turns into largely white with a darkish ear spot, making the species straightforward to confuse with Bonaparte’s Gull. Nonetheless, its barely bigger measurement, pale grey mantle, and longer legs assist set it aside. These gulls are usually seen close to tidal flats, estuaries, or coastal lagoons, the place they forage for small fish, invertebrates, or scraps.

Though unusual, the Black-headed Gull is a rewarding discover for birders scanning coastal flocks through the cooler months.

11. Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus)

The aptly named Little Gull is the smallest gull species on the earth and a uncommon migrant or winter customer to Texas. Regardless of its measurement, it’s unmistakable when seen nicely—adults in flight present distinctive black underwings, which distinction superbly with their in any other case pale grey and white plumage.

This gull breeds in northern Eurasia and migrates throughout the Atlantic, sometimes reaching giant inland lakes in Texas throughout late fall or early spring. Most sightings happen throughout migration stopovers, the place Little Gulls usually combine into flocks of Bonaparte’s Gulls, darting with sleek, tern-like agility as they pluck bugs from the water’s floor.

Because of its rarity and placing look in flight, the Little Gull is taken into account a prize sighting amongst Texas gull-watchers.

12. Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini)

Sabine’s Gull is among the most visually placing and rarest migrant gulls to move by means of Texas. It’s most incessantly noticed offshore or close to coastal waters, particularly throughout pelagic birding journeys within the Gulf of Mexico. Its distinctive wing sample—a daring tri-colored mixture of white, black, and grey—and deeply forked tail make it immediately recognizable in flight, even at a distance.

This small, agile gull breeds within the excessive Arctic and migrates throughout oceans to wintering grounds off the coast of South America. In Texas, it seems sometimes throughout spring and fall migration, normally following storm techniques or sturdy fronts.

Sabine’s Gull is a uncommon deal with for birders, combining grace, rarity, and unmistakable plumage in a single fast-flying silhouette over the waves.

13. Widespread Gull (Larus canus)

Also called the Mew Gull, the Widespread Gull is a scarce and often-overlooked winter customer in Texas. Barely smaller than the Ring-billed Gull, it has a extra rounded head, greenish-yellow legs, and a delicate, light expression that units it aside with cautious statement.

This species breeds in northern North America and Eurasia and is most frequently reported in Texas alongside the Gulf Coast, in addition to close to giant inland lakes through the colder months. In blended flocks, its resemblance to extra frequent species may cause it to go unnoticed, making it a favourite problem for knowledgeable gull-watchers.

Quiet, understated, and stylish, the Widespread Gull rewards those that take the time to look carefully among the many crowd.

14. Quick-billed Gull (Larus brachyrhynchus)

The Quick-billed Gull, as soon as grouped with the Mew Gull, is now acknowledged as a distinct North American species, breeding in Alaska and western Canada. In Texas, it’s thought-about an unintentional customer, with solely a handful of confirmed sightings, usually throughout late fall or winter.

This small, delicate gull carefully resembles its cousin, the Widespread Gull, however has barely paler plumage, a shorter invoice, and distinct black-and-white wingtip patterns. Its gentle, nasal name additionally differs barely. Because of these nuanced options, identification requires knowledgeable scrutiny, particularly when noticed in blended flocks of comparable gulls.

Any confirmed sighting of a Quick-billed Gull in Texas is taken into account a notable document, drawing consideration from devoted birders and state listers.

15. European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

A uncommon transatlantic wanderer, the European Herring Gull sometimes reaches Texas as a vagrant throughout winter, significantly after sturdy climate techniques originating from the North Atlantic. It’s the Previous World counterpart to the acquainted American Herring Gull however differs subtly in construction and plumage.

Grownup European birds are likely to have a cleaner grey mantle, pinker legs, and sharper contrasts in wing patterning, whereas juveniles can seem paler or extra uniform. As a result of overlap in options, constructive identification calls for shut comparability with close by American Herring Gulls.

Although uncommon, the presence of this gull in Texas highlights the long-distance vagrancy some seabirds are able to, crossing whole oceans to seem unexpectedly on Gulf Coast seashores.

16. Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)

Hailing from southern Europe, the Center East, and North Africa, the Yellow-legged Gull is an extraordinary rarity in North America, with solely a couple of data ever documented alongside the Gulf of Mexico—together with doable occurrences in Texas.

This gull resembles the European Herring Gull however sports activities brilliant yellow legs, a paler grey again, and a extra aggressive facial features. It additionally has distinct wingtip contrasts and a thicker invoice, usually with a pronounced purple gonys spot. These traits make it one of many most troublesome gulls to establish precisely in North America, and its standing right here stays controversial amongst specialists.

For a lot of birders, a confirmed Yellow-legged Gull sighting is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, requiring pictures, detailed notes, and infrequently debate within the birding neighborhood earlier than acceptance into official state data.

17. Black-tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris)

A well-recognized sight alongside the coasts of East Asia, the Black-tailed Gull is an ultra-rare vagrant in North America, with simply a handful of verified sightings, together with one or two unconfirmed data from Texas. Any look within the Lone Star State generates vital pleasure amongst gull fans.

This medium-sized gull is called for its distinct black tail band, which stands out in opposition to its pale grey again and white physique. Its yellow invoice tipped with purple and black, together with darkish eyes and a gentle name, offers it a novel profile amongst Texas gulls.

Although sightings are extraordinarily scarce, persistent observers alongside the Texas Gulf Coast throughout winter or migration could in the future glimpse this really world wanderer.

18. Yellow-footed Gull (Larus livens)

Endemic to the Gulf of California, the Yellow-footed Gull sometimes makes its solution to southern Texas, particularly throughout late fall or winter. These uncommon wanderers are normally seen alongside coastal shorelines, jetties, or tidal flats, typically within the firm of comparable giant gulls.

At first look, the Yellow-footed Gull carefully resembles the Western Gull, however its brilliant yellow legs and barely paler mantle assist distinguish it. It’s a giant, broad-chested species with a thick yellow invoice and sharp, alert expression.

Although removed from dwelling, the Yellow-footed Gull has now been recorded usually sufficient to be thought-about an occasional customer—a deal with for these scanning winter gull flocks on the Texas coast.

19. Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)

A true chook of the Pacific, the Western Gull is extraordinarily uncommon in Texas, with most data tied to storm-driven vagrants arriving throughout winter. It’s a giant, highly effective gull with a darkish slate-gray again, pink legs, and a thick yellow invoice with a daring purple spot close to the tip.

Western Gulls are usually discovered alongside the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Baja California, not often straying removed from saltwater. Their look in Texas is normally short-lived and infrequently happens after extreme climate techniques push birds inland or eastward.

For Texas birders, a confirmed Western Gull is a noteworthy and thrilling discover, standing out from extra frequent species with its daring coloration and ponderous construct.

20. Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus)

Hailing from Northeast Asia, the Slaty-backed Gull is a uncommon however more and more recorded winter vagrant in Texas. This huge, strong gull resembles a Lesser Black-backed Gull, however key variations set it aside—most notably its broader physique, paler slate-gray mantle, and the distinctive “string of pearls” sample shaped by white spots on its black major feathers.

Adults function pink legs, a thick yellow invoice with a purple spot, and a considerably fierce, heavy-jawed expression. In flight, the contrasting wing sample and huge measurement assist separate it from different dark-mantled gulls.

Although sightings stay few, the Slaty-backed Gull is a rising goal of curiosity amongst Texas gull-watchers through the colder months.

21. Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens)

Native to the Pacific Northwest, the Glaucous-winged Gull is a very uncommon vagrant in Texas. This giant, pale gull will be distinguished by its uniform grey wings and again, which lack the darkish wingtips seen in lots of different gulls.

Its hefty construct, pale eyes, and gentle grey plumage give it a washed-out look, usually mixing in with overcast coastal skies. Identification will be difficult, particularly when hybrid people are concerned, however its sheer measurement and matching wing-and-back tone are key area marks.

Occasional Texas data—principally throughout late winter and early spring—make this species a notable discover for knowledgeable observers scanning coastal gull flocks.

22. Nice Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

Towering over each different gull, the Nice Black-backed Gull holds the title of the world’s largest gull species. Uncommon however common alongside the Texas Gulf Coast in winter, this spectacular chook is immediately recognizable by its inky black again, brilliant pink legs, and huge yellow invoice with a blood-red spot.

A real apex predator amongst gulls, it incessantly scavenges however can be identified to kill smaller birds and steal prey from others. Its highly effective flight, daring plumage contrasts, and dominant presence make it unmistakable amongst blended flocks.

Although by no means frequent, the Nice Black-backed Gull is a spectacular and dependable winter presence that instructions consideration wherever it seems.

23. Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

A fixture of the Southern Hemisphere, significantly in South America, Africa, and Australasia, the Kelp Gull is extraordinarily uncommon in North America. But a couple of verified sightings—usually after tropical storms or hurricanes—have positioned it alongside the Texas coast.

This medium-to-large gull has a darkish greenish-black mantle, brilliant yellow legs, and a heavy invoice with a pronounced purple spot. Its look carefully resembles that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull however with delicate variations in construction, conduct, and mantle tone.

Any confirmed sighting of a Kelp Gull in Texas is a vital ornithological occasion, normally requiring pictures, knowledgeable session, and official documentation.

Conclusion: A Gull-Watcher’s Paradise

With its wealthy mixture of habitats and geographical place, Texas is a dynamic state for gull range. From year-round residents just like the Laughing Gull to Arctic wanderers and transatlantic rarities, Texas gives thrilling alternatives for novice and knowledgeable birders alike. Every winter, shorelines, landfills, and lakes throughout the Lone Star State turn out to be a area information in movement. Whether or not you’re chasing uncommon vagrants or just having fun with the chatter of a flock, gull watching in Texas is an expertise as huge and diversified because the skies they soar.