Seagull Near Monhegan Island (2007)
While commonly called “sea gulls,” Maine hosts three types of these birds: Great Black-backed, Herring, and Ring-billed gulls. All are scavengers that eat a variety of items including, fish (such as alewives – see photo below), clams, eggs of other birds, garbage, and your lunch if you’re not careful!
Gull Dropping Clam to Break its Shell (2003)
Feeding Frenzy as Herring Gulls Attack Alewives in Newcastle (2008)
Gulls live year-round in coastal areas, and some move inland during the summer. All gull species are expanding in number and range in Maine, partly due to the availability of food provided by human activity. One source is unused lobster bait tossed into the sea. Gulls swarm around fishing boats, such as this one on Casco Bay, looking for easy snacks.
Gulls Surround Lobster Boat at Halfway Rock (2004)
Great Black-backed Gull (2010)
Ringed-bill Gull at Reid State Park (2010)
The Great Black-backed Gull, at 30 inches, is the largest gull in the world, generally dominating other gulls in its territory and often stealing their food. Herring gulls are slightly smaller, but with gray plumage. Both sport a red spoon on their bills. The Ringed-billed Gull is the smallest of the three (barely half the size of the Great Black-backed at 17 1/2 inches) and has a black ring around the end of its bill.