Medium-sized gull, mostly seen inland in North America, but winters offshore in South America. Breeds around lakes and marshes, commonly seen in fields or beaches during migration. Breeding plumage shows black head with bold white eye-arcs, small red bill, and prominent white spots on black wingtips. Nonbreeding similar but with partial black hood and dark bill. Young birds show more brown tones than adults. White underparts are often tinged pink. Usually seen in flocks. Most similar to Laughing Gull; where range overlaps, look for shorter bill, limited black in the wings, and white wingtips.