Common in coastal areas on ocean beaches, tidal flats, and roost areas close to fishing grounds. Colonial nester on sand bars. Noisy: loud piercing ‘keerak’ can be heard at great distances. Tends to be the highest flier in feeding flocks. ID: Size, shape and bill usually make ID straightforward. Apart from CATE, always the largest in the flock. Large and sturdy, remaining graceful and attenuated. Lollipop-orange bill always noticeable. Pale gray upperparts with narrow trailing edge to outer primaries in flight. Adult: solid black cap and bill often red-orange in spring (can be confused with CATE). Nonbr: head mostly white with black line /crest. Juv: variable. Legs initially orange turning to black with yellow bill turning orange. Bill sometimes noticeably shorter than in adults. Strong contrast in upperparts. 1st-s: as ad br.