Note rounded head with peak over eye and sloped near crown. Adult has dark gray upperside, virtually unmarked white head, pink legs and heavy yellow bill.

Common in any open coastal habitat, but in most areas extremely rare just a few miles inland.

Inhabits the Pacific Coast of North America, breeding from central Baja California north to Washington. In winter, this gull may be found throughout its breeding range, from Vancouver to Baja California, and in adjacent offshore waters.