Larus argentatus
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Mass
~1 kg
Habitat
Coastal areas
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The European Herring Gull is a large, confident gull that stands out on water, along the shore, or on rooftops. Adults look pale and clean-lined, while young gulls stay brown and mottled for years, so they change a lot as they grow up.
It is noisy, bold, and very sure of itself. It glides for long stretches, moves well on the ground, and has a harsh, rough voice with loud calls and a mewing note; in towns it does not shy away from people and may snatch food in the air.
It uses seacoasts, large lakes, rivers, marshes, and more and more urban places. It eats fish, crustaceans, molluscs, carrion, scraps, as well as grain, berries, and other available food; northern populations move south in winter, while many stay all year round.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The European Herring Gull is a large, confident gull that stands out on water, along the shore, or on rooftops. Adults look pale and clean-lined, while young gulls stay brown and mottled for years, so they change a lot as they grow up.
It is noisy, bold, and very sure of itself. It glides for long stretches, moves well on the ground, and has a harsh, rough voice with loud calls and a mewing note; in towns it does not shy away from people and may snatch food in the air.
It uses seacoasts, large lakes, rivers, marshes, and more and more urban places. It eats fish, crustaceans, molluscs, carrion, scraps, as well as grain, berries, and other available food; northern populations move south in winter, while many stay all year round.
