Do seagulls migrate?

North American seagulls do migrate, but the distances of migration vary among species. For example, Franklin's Gulls migrate from Canada to Mexico while Herring Gulls fly from Canada to the northern United States or to coastal regions.

The Herring Gull is the most familiar species of seagull in North America. Herring Gulls in Canada and Alaska seek milder winters while gulls in New England and Great Lakes regions migrate a short distance south or fly out to sea. The ages of Herring Gulls also affects their migratory patterns. Mature birds found near the Great Lakes have been known to not migrate during the winter, while their younger counterparts fly south.