The well-known yodelling call of the herring gull conjures up pictures of the seaside perhaps more than any other sound.

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Overview

Herring GullOrder: Charadriiformes

Family: Laridae

Species: Larus argentatus (European Herring Gull)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Population Trend: decreasing

Distribution: around coasts of Britain, rest of Europe, Scandinavia, Mediterranean. Widespread inland in winter.

Habitat: breeds in most coastal areas on cliffs, slopes, low-lying coasts and buildings in coastal towns. Moves inland in flocks outside breeding season, often living around reservoirs.

Description: silver-grey back, white head, neck and underparts; black wing tips with white spots or patches; heavy looking bill with red spot on underside; flesh-coloured legs. Immature gulls are speckled brown and grey.

Size: 56 - 66cm in length.
      
Life-span: up to 30 years or more.

Food: fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, small mammals and birds, eggs, grain, carrion and edible rubbish.

 

Read More: Breeding

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