Sabine's Gull vs Western Gull
Xema sabini versus Larus occidentalis
Play a quiz with Sabine's Gull and Western Gull
Sabine's Gull
Western Gull
In short
Sabine's Gull and Western Gull are both members of the Laridae family but are distinguishable by size, plumage, and behavior. Sabine's Gull is smaller with a distinctive black bill tipped with yellow and a notched tail, while the Western Gull is larger with a more robust build and lacks these features.
Identification tips
Look for the black bill with a yellow tip and notched tail in Sabine's Gull. In contrast, the Western Gull is larger and lacks these features. Consider the habitat: Sabine's Gull is more likely in Arctic regions, while Western Gull is coastal along the Pacific.
Size
Sabine's Gull is notably smaller and more delicate compared to the robust and larger Western Gull.
Plumage
Sabine's Gull has a unique black bill with a yellow tip and a notched tail, whereas the Western Gull has a more typical gull appearance without these distinctive features.
Behaviour
Sabine's Gull exhibits behaviors more akin to shorebirds and terns, such as distraction displays and feeding methods, while Western Gulls are more typical of gulls, often seen in large colonies on islands and offshore rocks.
Habitat
Sabine's Gull is often found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, while Western Gulls are primarily coastal, found along the Pacific coast of North America.