Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellis
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Larus michahellis
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Mass
~1 kg
Habitat
Coastal areas
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Yellow-legged Gull is a large, bold gull that stands out in cities and along the coast. Adults are easy to remember for their yellow legs and pale grey back, while young ones look much darker and more mottled.
Its call is a loud, rather deep laugh, and it behaves like a skilled opportunist. It picks through rubbish tips, harbours, beaches, fields, and even steals food from other gulls and seabirds.
It nests on rocky shores, islands, salt pans, river mouths, and sometimes on roofs near the sea. It eats fish, shellfish, crabs, grain, olives, figs, and almost anything it can get; some stay year-round, while others move to milder places for winter.
Quick Facts
The Yellow-legged Gull is a large, bold gull that stands out in cities and along the coast. Adults are easy to remember for their yellow legs and pale grey back, while young ones look much darker and more mottled.
Its call is a loud, rather deep laugh, and it behaves like a skilled opportunist. It picks through rubbish tips, harbours, beaches, fields, and even steals food from other gulls and seabirds.
It nests on rocky shores, islands, salt pans, river mouths, and sometimes on roofs near the sea. It eats fish, shellfish, crabs, grain, olives, figs, and almost anything it can get; some stay year-round, while others move to milder places for winter.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Larus michahellis Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Yellow-legged gull Encyclopedia article