European Herring Gull
NameEuropean Herring Gull
Common NameEuropean Herring Gull
Scientific NameLarus argentatus
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)144
Length (cm)61
Weight (g)1175
Plumage DetailsAdult plumage features a white head, neck, and underparts, with a medium grey back and upperwings. The wingtips are black with prominent white spots, and the trailing edge of the wing is white. The bill is yellow with a red spot on the gonys, and the legs are pinkish. Eyes are pale yellow.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include loud, raucous 'laughing' calls, often described as 'kyow-kyow-kyow' or 'ga-ga-ga'. They also produce alarm calls and begging calls from juveniles.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, urban, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds widely across Europe, from Iceland and the British Isles eastward through Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, and into parts of Russia. Winters across much of Western Europe and the Mediterranean.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Grey back, White head and underparts, Yellow bill with red spot on lower mandible, Pinkish legs, Black wingtips with white spots
Description
The European Herring Gull is a large, robust gull commonly found along coastlines and increasingly in urban areas. Adults are characterized by their white head and underparts, grey back, and strong yellow bill with a distinctive red spot on the lower mandible.
