Identification - It is slightly larger than a Mallard. Breeding adults have a yellow bill with a red spot on the lower edge, a light gray back and pale wingtips, and pink legs. Sexes are similar in appearance. In flight the pale tips to the wings are a good identification feature.
Morsels - The red spot on the lower edge of a gull's bill is a visual stimulus for the young which evokes a food-begging response. When an adult returns to the nest with food, the red spot stimulates the young to peck at it. That, in turn, stimulates the adult to regurgitate the food and dinner is served.
