The distinctive black head turns white during winter plumage.
Another black-headed gull, the Laughing Gull, can also be found at the sea in the Imperial Valley but it is much larger.
Bonaparte's are almost tern-like in size and appearance.
|
This arctic boreal forest breeder
is uncommon inland as it migrates along the coast. Some of them, however,
find the Salton Sea a good place to feed and rest while traveling.
The distinctive black head turns white during winter plumage. Another black-headed gull, the Laughing Gull, can also be found at the sea in the Imperial Valley but it is much larger. Bonaparte's are almost tern-like in size and appearance. |
If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.htmlThey present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the Bonaparte's Gull
OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:
The Boreal Forest Ecosystem - Explore the arctic boreal forest in this educational outreach program for Canadian high school students.
This site is maintained by:
Eldon R. Caldwell
Imperial Valley College
Email: eldonc@imperial.cc.ca.us