[1] This gull was first described as a new species Larus kumlieni by William Brewster which at the time he named it "Lesser Glaucous-winged Gull" due to its resemblance to the larger west coast species, in 1883 based on a specimen obtained by Ludwig Kumlien from the Cumberland Sound during the Howgate Arctic Expedition.

Such remarkable variation seems to lend credence to the belief that Kumlien's gull is in fact a hybrid swarm.

These are omnivores like most Larus gulls, and they scavenge and seek suitable small prey.

These birds forage while flying, picking up food at or just below the water's surface, and feed while walking or swimming.

Their scavenging habits lead them to frequent garbage dumps, sewage outlets, and places where fish are cleaned.