This American form of the European Mew Gull does not differ in habits from the larger Gulls. Grinnell found them nesting in low bushy evergreens and says they exhibit unusual curiosity. He compares the common note to a terrier's bark. Young join flocks of Glaucous Gulls instead of their own species. They seem aware of their small bill handicap and keep on the outskirts of a food battle staged by larger Gulls.
Northwestern North America. East to Mackenzie and Saskatchewan. South in Winter to northern California.