Gulls vs. Seagulls: Understanding the Names within Gulls and Terns

What is the difference between gulls and seagulls?

In short, there is no scientific difference between a gull and a seagull. The term "seagull" is a common, informal name that many people use for any gull, but ornithologists and birdwatchers prefer the more accurate term "gull." This is because many gull species live far from the sea, thriving around inland lakes, rivers, farmland, and even urban areas. Understanding this distinction clears up a widespread naming confusion and helps you observe these birds with greater precision.

The family Laridae includes all gulls, terns, and skimmers. Within this family, the birds we commonly call "seagulls" are simply members of the gull species group. No species is officially named "seagull"; rather, each has a specific common name like Ring-billed Gull or Herring Gull.

Why do we say "seagull"? The story behind common names

Common names are the everyday labels we give to wildlife, and they often arise from where people most often encounter a species. Because many gulls are conspicuous along coastlines, the name "seagull" stuck. But common names can be misleading. For example, the Franklin's Gull nests on prairie marshes far from any ocean, and the California Gull breeds on inland lakes. Using "gull" rather than "seagull" reflects the true diversity of their habitats.

When you flip through a field guide, you'll notice that all species are listed under "Gulls," never "Seagulls." This standardization helps birders communicate clearly and avoids the mistaken idea that all gulls are tied to the sea.

Getting to know the Laridae family: gulls, terns, and skimmers

The family Laridae is a group of seabirds that also includes many inland species. Gulls are generally larger, with stout bills, webbed feet, and a varied diet. Terns are sleeker, with pointed wings, forked tails, and a graceful, hovering flight. Skimmers have unique longer lower mandibles for skimming the water's surface. Recognizing these differences helps you identify which bird you're watching.

What can you notice when watching gulls in the field?

Gulls are intelligent and adaptable, offering endless opportunities for patient observation. Start by noting their size and shape. Compare a small Bonaparte's Gull to a large Herring Gull. Look at the bill: is it heavy or delicate? In breeding season, many gulls have distinct head markings—like the black hood of the Franklin's Gull—while others show only subtle streaking in winter.

Plumage changes with age, and young gulls can look very different from adults. A first-year gull may be mottled brown, taking up to four years to attain the crisp gray-and-white adult plumage. This variability is a challenge but also a joy: every outing becomes a puzzle.

How to prepare for a gull-watching outing on the prairie

Prairie birdwatching may not be the first place you think of for gulls, but many species pass through or breed inland. Here’s how to get ready:

1. Check seasonal timing. Spring and fall migrations bring the greatest variety of gulls to inland lakes and reservoirs. Many species pass through the prairies en route to Arctic or subarctic breeding grounds.
2. Bring a field guide specific to your region. Focus on gull species and their various plumages; a guide with multiple illustrations per species is best.
3. Carry binoculars with good light-gathering ability. Gulls are often seen at a distance against bright water or sky, so clear optics help.
4. Dress for wind and changing weather. Prairie weather shifts quickly, and lakeshores can be breezy. Layers and a windbreaker are wise.
5. Keep a field notebook. Record date, location, weather, and any notable behaviors or plumage details. Sketches, even rough ones, sharpen your observation.

Applying your knowledge: tips for your next outing

When you spot a gull, resist the urge to call it a "seagull" and instead try to identify it to species. Start with shape and size, then note the bill and leg color, and look for wing patterns. Watch how the bird feeds: is it dipping to the surface, scavenging on shore, or following a plow in a field? Behavior provides strong clues.

Be patient with young gulls; their plumages can be baffling even for experienced birders. Compare them to nearby adults when possible. And remember to observe from a respectful distance, especially near nesting colonies. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to avoid disturbing the birds.

The quiet rewards of patient observation

Watching gulls on the prairie invites you to slow down and notice details that are easily overlooked. A flock spiraling over a lake, the subtle difference between a Ring-billed Gull's crisp black ring and a California Gull's red spot—these are the moments that deepen a birder's connection to place and season. As the light changes and the seasons turn, the gulls remind us that names matter, but the birds themselves are the true reward.