Herring Gull
NameHerring Gull
Common NameHerring Gull
Scientific NameLarus argentatus
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)144
Length (cm)61
Weight (g)1175
Plumage DetailsAdults have a white head, neck, underparts, and tail, with a grey back and upperwings. Their primary wingtips are black with distinctive white 'mirrors'. The bill is yellow with a prominent red spot on the lower mandible, and legs are pink.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include loud, raucous 'kyow-kyow-kyow' calls, a long wailing 'ooo-ooo-ooo', and various 'ga-ga-ga' alarm calls, often heard in colonies or when competing for food.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, estuaries, harbors, beaches, cliffs, urban, agricultural fields, landfills, inland lakes, rivers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North America. In Europe, it breeds extensively across northern and western regions, extending into Russia, and winters further south along coasts and inland.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Grey back, White head and underparts, Black wingtips with white spots ('mirrors'), Yellow bill with red spot on lower mandible, Pink legs
Description
The Herring Gull is a large, common gull species often found in coastal and urban environments. It is an opportunistic feeder, known for its distinctive calls and adaptable nature.
