Franklin’s Gull

Franklin's Gull
Photo Credit: Alan Schmierer, Flickr

Overview

  • Species Common Name Franklin's Gull
  • Species Scientific Name Leucophaeus pipixcan
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Franklin's Gulls depend upon extensive marshes for breeding, where they nest over water on floating vegetation and in colonies. Breeding sites are characterized by both emergent vegetation for nest attachment and deep-water habitat that provides foraging opportunities and prevents access to nests by predators.

Limiting factors

This species occurs in small, disjunct breeding colonies in Oregon. The specialized nesting requirements of Franklin's Gulls make them vulnerable to fluctuating water levels. They are also sensitive to human disturbance at nesting sites.

Conservation actions

Minimize human disturbance in nesting areas during the breeding season and in shallow-water feeding areas. Where appropriate, manage water levels to provide suitable foraging and nesting habitat.

Key reference or plan

Waterbird Conservation for the Americas