Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Yellow-legged Gull
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Larus michahellis
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How to recognize it
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52–68 cm
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Yellow legs, bill with a red spot
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Pale grey back, white head and underparts
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Often by coasts, harbours, rubbish tips; call deep, "ha-ha"
About the species
An adult’s white head, neck and underside contrast with its pale grey back. The black wing tips carry only a few white spots, and the yellow legs show as it walks along a quay. A red spot marks the bill, while a fine red ring circles the eye.
Its call is a loud, low, nasal laugh. Along the coast it searches for prey, but around towns it also scavenges discarded food and may steal catches from smaller gulls and other seabirds.
It uses rocky coasts and islands, as well as ports, beaches, river corridors and farmland. Fish and squid are regular foods, alongside shellfish, small land animals and scraps. Some stay in one area year-round, while others move to milder western Europe or south as far as Senegal, Gambia and the Red Sea for winter.
Where to find
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During the breeding season, in some coastal cities, look for yellow-legged gull nests on rooftops — adults vigorously defend the clutch.
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Around the Bay of Biscay, watch for feeding on fish remains near fishing harbors.
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Outside the breeding season, look for foraging along the shore at beaches.
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At urban rubbish tips, watch for food scraps being picked out of the waste.
