General Description: In breeding plumage, Franklin's Gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan) are small gulls with a black head, white body tinged with pink, red bill and legs. The mantle (upper wings and back) is dark gray, and the wing tips are black with white bands.

Gulls take 2-4 years to mature. The plumage during the juvenile and subadult years differs from the adult breeding plumage, and the plumage also differs between summer and winter. Thus, there can be 7 or so different plumages for each species of gull, making identification difficult. Franklin's Gulls take three years to mature.

Taxonomy: Charadriiformes, Laridae, Larinae. Formerly Larus pipixcan.

Favored Habitat: Lakes and marshes.

Where to Find: Franklin's Gulls are uncommon in the Las Vegas area. Look for them at Lake Mead and the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve.

Comments: Franklin's Gulls are inland gulls that breed from northern Nevada northward into central Canada.