Although they are familiar and amusing characters, gulls are frequently dismissed as common "parking lot" birds or because their diverse species can be hard to identify. Both assumptions disregard the beauty and grace of gulls, which are among the most approachable of North America's birds. This photographic field guide provides a user-friendly introduction to the plumages of 27 North American gull species in different stages of maturity. Ranging in size from the dovelike Little Gull to the eagle-like Great Black-Backed Gull, their behavior and habitats are equally varied. With more than 500 color photos, detailed captions, and foldout comparison guides, this book allows readers to better appreciate these charismatic birds by learning shortcuts for easy identification in the field. 288 pp | 540 color images