Bonaparte's gull

Bonaparte's gull is a delightful little bird that makes its home in northern North America. One of the smallest species of gull, it measures just 28 to 38 centimeters in length. During the breeding season, it sports a distinctive slate-grey hood, setting it apart from its relatives.

Initially, this gull was classified under the genus Sterna, but subsequent DNA studies revealed its closer relationship with other "masked gulls" prompting its reclassification to the genus Chroicocephalus. It is a monotypic species, meaning there is only one type of Bonaparte's gull across its entire range. The bird is named in honor of Charles Lucien Bonaparte, a distinguished French ornithologist.

Bonaparte's gull has grey upperparts, white underparts, and striking black wingtips. Unlike most other gulls, it nests in trees. Its diet is diverse, consisting of insects, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine worms. These gulls are migratory, spending their winters along the North American coasts and around the Great Lakes.

In terms of breeding behavior, these gulls engage in elaborate courtship displays. Both parents participate in nest-building and incubating the eggs. Typically, the female lays between two to four eggs, which hatch after 22-24 days. The hatchlings are semi-precocial, meaning they are born with down feathers and open eyes, ready for a degree of independence from birth. The parents care for them until they are ready to fledge. Bonaparte's gulls are also noted for their distinctive nasal and raspy calls.

For bird enthusiasts, there is good news: Bonaparte's gull is not at risk. Thanks to its wide range and growing population, it is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN. In North America, it enjoys protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. However, the species does face some threats, including predation by peregrine falcons and various parasites.