European Herring Gull

The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large and robust seabird, with a length of up to 66 cm (26 inches). It is a familiar sight along the coastal regions of Western Europe and is known for its striking appearance and adaptability to various environments.

Identification Tips

Adult European herring gulls have a light grey back and upper wings, with a white head and underparts. Their wingtips are marked with black and white spots known as "mirrors." The bill is a bright yellow with a red spot near the tip, and the legs are typically pink, although they can sometimes be yellowish. Juveniles are mottled brown with darker streaks and possess a dark bill and eyes. As they mature, their plumage gradually lightens, reaching full adult coloration and sexual maturity at around four years of age.

Habitat

These gulls are commonly found in coastal areas, but they have also adapted to urban environments where they can be seen nesting on rooftops and scavenging for food.

Distribution

The European herring gull breeds across a wide range of Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, the Baltic states, and as far west as Ireland and Britain. While some populations migrate southward during winter, others remain as permanent residents in areas like Iceland and the North Sea shores.

Behaviour

European herring gulls are social birds with a loose hierarchy based on size and strength. They are known for their intelligence and adaptability, often observed scavenging and utilizing human-made environments to their advantage.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the European herring gull includes a variety of calls, from the well-known "laughing" call associated with the seaside to alarm calls and more subdued mewing sounds. Chicks beg for food with a high-pitched 'peep' and accompanying gestures.

Breeding

These gulls are mostly monogamous and may pair for life. They lay two to four eggs, typically three, in nests on the ground or cliff ledges within colonies. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after about a month. The chicks are precocial, leaving the nest within hours of hatching, and are fed by their parents for several months.

Similar Species

The European herring gull can be confused with the lesser black-backed gull and the ring-billed gull, but it is distinguishable by its larger size, thicker bill, and different leg coloration.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic feeder, the European herring gull's diet includes fish, crustaceans, and a variety of other food sources such as refuse from landfills and food left by humans. They are also known to drop shelled prey from heights to break them open.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the European herring gull as Least Concern, although certain populations have experienced significant declines, leading to conservation efforts in some regions.