Here in Fairbanks, you might be surprised to see a gull so far from the coast. If you do spot one, it’s likely a Short-billed Gull–the most common gull in interior Alaska. While many of these birds live year-round on Alaska’s southern coast, many more venture into the interior for the breeding season. These omnivores are adept foragers. On the coast, you’re likely to see them hunting small marine life. They’ll just as readily go for worms, insects, and whatever seeds and grains they’re able to find.

Short-billed Gulls are quite small. They have gray wings and backs. They have black wingtips. The rest of their body is a crisp white color. They have short yellow bills. Their eyes are dark. Their legs are yellow. Juvenile Short-billed Gulls have a brown tint to their entire body. After several months, juveniles acquire gray coloring in their wings.