Common Gull

The Common Gull, or Sea Mew (Larus canus), presents itself as a medium-sized gull, a touch smaller than the Ring-billed Gull. Its breeding plumage is a sight to behold, with a grey mantle and a pristine white underbelly. The bird's bill, a tapered beacon of greenish-yellow, stands unmarked in the breeding season. Observers will note the yellow legs that dull in winter and the head that becomes streaked with grey. The wingtips are adorned with black, punctuated by large white "mirrors" on the outer primaries, a distinctive feature of this species.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Common Gull from its relatives, look for its shorter bill and smaller stature compared to the Herring Gull. In winter, the head streaks grey, and the bill may exhibit a vague blackish band, which can lead to confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern, with pink legs that later grey before turning yellow.

Habitat

Common Gulls are known to breed in colonies near water or marshes, favoring a nest on the ground or in a small tree.

Distribution

This species breeds across the Palearctic and is known to migrate southward during the winter months.

Behaviour

The Common Gull is an adaptable bird, both an omnivore and a scavenger. It is also known to hunt small prey. The species is gregarious, breeding in colonies that can range from a mere couple to several hundred pairs.

Song & Calls

The call of the Common Gull is a high-pitched "laughing" cry, a sound that resonates across its habitat.

Breeding

Common Gulls typically lay three eggs, which hatch after 24 to 26 days. The chicks then fledge after another 30 to 35 days. The breeding season sees the gull's legs turn a vibrant yellow.

Similar Species

The Short-billed Gull was once considered conspecific but is now recognized as a separate species. It can be differentiated by genetic, morphological, and vocalization differences.

Diet and Feeding

As opportunistic feeders, Common Gulls will scavenge as well as actively hunt, consuming a varied diet that sustains them throughout the year.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Common Gull as Least Concern, with an estimated global population of about one million pairs. They are most populous in Europe, where they constitute the majority of their global numbers.

In the voice of the natural world, we find the Common Gull, a bird of both land and sea, whose laughter-like calls and graceful flight remind us of the enduring charm of our feathered companions.