General Description: Heermann's Gulls (Larus heermanni) sometimes visit the Las Vegas area during winter. In winter plumage, Heermann's are medium-sized gulls that are very dark overall with a red bill. In the breeding season, adults get a white head and neck.

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. Heermann's Gulls take four years to mature.

Taxonomy: Charadriiformes, Laridae, Larinae.

Favored Habitat: Heermann's Gulls are a Pacific Coast species that sometimes visit larger lakes in the Las Vegas area during winter.

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

Comments: Heermann's Gulls are uncommon around Las Vegas.