Utah State Bird: The California Gull
(Larus californicus)
The California Gull, known as Larus californicus, is Utah’s state bird. Even though it has “California” in its name, this bird is very important to Utah. In 1955, the California Gull was officially made the state bird because it played a huge role in saving Utah’s crops. Let’s dive into why this bird is so special.
What Does the California Gull Look Like?
The California Gull is medium-sized. It has a white head, neck, and belly, with gray wings and a black tail. You can spot its bright yellow bill, which has a black ring near the tip. Its feet are also yellow. Young gulls look different—they are brown and don’t get their full colors until they are older.
Why Is the California Gull Important to Utah?
In the 1840s, Utah was facing a big problem. Swarms of crickets were eating all the crops. The people were scared they might lose everything. Suddenly, the California Gulls arrived. These birds began eating the crickets, helping to save the crops. This event is known as the “Miracle of the Gulls,” and it is why the people of Utah are so grateful to these birds.
Where Can You Find California Gulls?
You can see California Gulls near lakes and rivers. They like to live in large groups called colonies. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is one of their favorite spots. Here, they find plenty of fish to eat. They also enjoy munching on insects, especially during summer. You might also spot them at parks or even in parking lots!
What Do California Gulls Eat?
California Gulls aren’t picky eaters. They love fish, insects, and even garbage. They are scavengers, which means they’ll eat just about anything they find. When it’s breeding season, they focus on finding more fish to feed their chicks. At other times, they hunt for insects and small animals.
How Do California Gulls Help the Environment?
These gulls play a big role in keeping the environment clean. By eating insects and dead animals, they help stop diseases from spreading. They also eat pests like crickets and grasshoppers, which can harm crops. This makes them important helpers for farmers.
Fun Facts About California Gulls
- Nesting: California Gulls build nests on the ground. They use sticks, grass, and feathers to make their nests soft.
- Migration: While they love Utah, some gulls fly to other places during winter, like California or Mexico.
- Chicks: Baby gulls are called chicks. They are born with brown, fluffy feathers and cannot fly right away.
- Sounds: These birds make loud calls, often sounding like “klee-ew” or “kyow.”
Why Should You Care About the California Gull?
The California Gull isn’t just a regular bird. It’s a reminder of how nature can help people. The people of Utah remember the “Miracle of the Gulls” every year, and the bird is honored in Salt Lake City with a special monument.
The next time you visit Utah, keep an eye out for these helpful and interesting birds!