The California Gull breeds throughout western Canada and the northwest United States, and winters along the Pacific coast south to Mexico. The Breeding Bird Survey suggests that the Canadian population has changed little since about 1970, though there is regional variation. The Christmas Bird Count suggests a moderate increase in the continental population, but precision is low. Overall, the reliability of this population status assessment is considered to be medium. Despite the limitations in the available data, this adaptable species appears to be secure at present but could suffer from degradation of breeding habitat in future. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
The California Gull has likely benefited from decreased persecution by humans and increased food availability on both its nesting (e.g., farms) and wintering (e.g., garbage dumps) grounds, and increased nesting habitat availability in the form of islands on reservoirs (Winkler 1996). However, because the species breeds in colonies on low-lying freshwater islands, it is susceptible to changing water levels (Winkler 1996). Altered precipitation regimes due to a changing climate, or changes in human use and management of freshwater resources, could affect lake levels, potentially degrading breeding habitat and affecting a large number of individuals.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
