Bonaparte's Gull

Larus philadelphia

The Bonaparte's Gull is the smallest gull found in the South Dakota.   They are different than many other gulls in that they rarely visit garbage dumps.  They are also unusual in that they nests in trees instead of on the ground.  Bonaparte's Gulls are named after a distant cousin of Napoleon.

Habitat: Usually near rivers and lakes during migration through the state. During the summer breeding season, they are found along lakeshores and riversides bordered by coniferous forest.

Diet: Insects, fish, crustaceans, but mostly insects on migration through the state.

Behavior: Forages while in flight, by dipping to the surface to pick up items or sometimes plunge-diving.  They also can "fly-catch, snatching insects during flight, and will also pick up food items while wading or swimming.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Low harsh grrrrrr or reeeep. 

Migration: More common in the east than in the west during migration.  Summers in Canada and Alaska, winters along U.S. coasts and southward.

Similar Species: Franklin's Gull, Laughing Gull, Sabine's Gull.  See Identification Tips.

Conservation Status: Populations appear to be stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Bonaparte's Gull

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Bonaparte's Gull"

3) eNature.com: Bonaparte's Gull

Photo Information: April 2nd, 2004 -- Lake Thompson -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Bonaparte's Gull photos.