Utah State Bird
California Gull

• Official Utah State Bird Name: California Seagull
• American Ornithologists' Union Common Name: California Gull
• Family: Laridae; Skuas, Gulls, Terns, Skimmers
• Scientific Name: Larus californicus
• Length: Male: 21" (53 cm)
• Wingspan: 54" (137 cm)
• Diet: Insects, invertebrates, vertebrates; worms, mice, other birds and their eggs, garbage; in winter, takes crabs and fish but mostly scavenges (especially fish).
• Voice: Hoarse, scratchy, somewhat deeper than Ring-billed; harsher and higher than Herring; never clear tones. One common single note gaaal similar to Great Black-backed. Long call rapid, high, wheezy.
• Habitat: Seacoasts, lakes, farms, urban centers
• Displays: Complex soliciting; courtship feeding; "choking" (swollen neck held in "S," breast pointed at ground). Male head tosses, neck stretches, calls.
• Number of broods: 1
• Nest: Of sticks, dried weeds, rubbish, feathers; often concealed under vegetation.
• Eggs: Averages 2-3 brown/olive/gray/olive-buff eggs, marked with dark brown/gray. 2.7" (68 mm).
• Incubation period: 23-27 days
• Fledge: 45 days after hatching
• Longevity Record: 24 Years and 11 months (according to USGS Bird Banding Lab) 

The California Seagull was selected as the Utah State Bird by an act of the legislature in 1955. The gull is considered the State Bird of Utah by common consent, probably in commemoration of the fact that these gulls saved the people of the State by eating up the Rocky mountain crickets which were destroying the crops in 1848.

Orson F. Whitney says that in the midst of the devastation of the crickets, "when it seemed that nothing could stay the devastation, great flocks of gulls appeared, filling the air with their white wings and plaintive cries, and settled down upon the half-ruined fields. fields. All day long they gorged themselves, and when full, disgorged and feasted again, the white gulls upon the black crickets, list hosts of heaven and hell contending, until the pests were vanquished and the people were saved." After devouring the crickets, the gulls returned "to the lake islands whence they came."

The Sea Gull Monument in Salt Lake City honors the California gull. Two sculptured gulls stand atop the monument which was unveiled in 1913.

Utah Birds

Return to 50 State Birds Page

Return to Bird Watching Bliss Home Page

Favorite Bird Watching Binoculars, Feeder & Field Guide
Nikon Monarch's - Best Binoculars for Bird Watching Based on Quality & Price	Keeps Squirrels Out, No Batteries, Easy Adjustable Spring, Won Best New Product Award	Excellent Illustrations & Unique System For Easier Bird ID. Eastern/Central, Western & N.A. Editions
Click Images To View More Info