This is the largest and most common hooded gull of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. In all plumages, note the long wing projection with all-dark primaries, the long slightly drooping bill, and narrow white crescents above and below the eyes. Alternate Adult: Mantle is dark gray with long black wing tips extending well beyond the tail. The primaries show tiny white tips. Underparts and neck are white. The entire head is black, except for the eye crescents. The bill is deep red. The legs are reddish black. Basic Adult: The head is white, with dusky smudging on the rear half of the crown, around the nape, and around the eyes. The bill and legs are blackish. Second Cycle Alternate: Similar to alternate adult, but black hood is incomplete, primaries lack white tips, and inner primaries have more extensive black (visible in flight). Tail retains some dark markings. Second Cycle Basic: Like basic adult, but shows dusky on neck, breast, and sides. Lacks white tips on primaries. First Cycle: The back and scapulars show variable amounts of gray. The wing coverts and secondaries are brown. The white head is smudged with dusky around the nape, rear of crown, and around the eyes. The neck, breast and sides are dusky. The tail shows a wide black subterminal band. Bill and legs are blackish, with a hint of red. Juvenile: Brown overall with pale feather edges creating a scaly pattern. The belly is white.

Length: 38 (cm) Wingspan: 97 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a rather maniacal ha ha ha ha ha or kow kow kow.

Habitat:

Uses a variety of habitats, primarily coastal.

Behavior:

More restricted to coastal areas and saltwater than most other gulls. Inland records often associated with hurricanes.

Feeding:

Eats a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.