Common Gull
Least ConcernLarus canus
Visual Identification
Common Gull
Appearance
The Common Gull has a white head and underparts, with a pale grey back and wings. Its wingtips are distinctively black, creating a striking contrast. The bird's yellow bill often features a dark ring near the tip, while its legs can range from greenish to yellow.
Both sexes share similar plumage, although males are slightly larger than females. The iris is dark with a red orbital ring which is not apparent in winter plumage.
In winter, adults develop faint grey streaking on their heads. Juveniles have brown markings on their wings and backs and gradually moult into adult plumage over three years.
Size
Length
40cm to 46cm
Wingspan
110cm to 130cm
Weight
290g to 480g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Green Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Gulls inhabit many coastal and inland habitats, including beaches, estuaries, lakes, and urban areas. They breed across northern Europe and Asia, with some populations in North America.
During winter, many birds migrate south, with significant numbers found in the UK, coastal areas of continental Europe, and parts of the United States. They're particularly common along the coasts of Scotland and eastern England year-round.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,400 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Common Gulls are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet. They consume fish, marine invertebrates, molluscs, insects, earthworms, and small mammals.
These adaptable birds also scavenge human food waste in urban areas and follow ploughs in agricultural fields to catch disturbed invertebrates.
Behaviour
Common Gulls are highly social and often seen in large flocks during non-breeding seasons. They're highly efficient at soaring and gliding and use air currents efficiently.
These gulls are known for their 'foot-paddling' behaviour, in which they rapidly stamp their feet on the ground to bring worms to the surface.
Vocalisation
The Common Gull's call is a distinctive high-pitched 'kyow' or 'kee-aw', often repeated in a series.
During the breeding season, they produce various softer mewing sounds, which likely contributed to their alternative name, the Mew Gull. Their alarm call is a sharp, staccato 'kek-kek-kek'.
Nesting & Breeding
Common Gulls typically form breeding pairs in late winter or early spring. They often return to the same nesting sites year after year, showing strong site fidelity.
Although nests are usually built on the ground close to water, common gulls will also nest in trees and are the only white-headed gulls to do so.
Nests are built on the ground or occasionally on buildings, consisting of a shallow scrape lined with vegetation. Females usually lay 2-3 olive-brown eggs with dark speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 24-26 days. The chicks fledge after 4-5 weeks but may continue to be fed by their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Common Gull typically lives for 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 33.7 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Common Gulls face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Coastal development and disturbance at breeding sites are particular concerns. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting areas and reducing marine pollution.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
2,500,000 - 3,700,000 mature individuals [3]
Global Population Trend
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Common Gulls in coastal areas, estuaries, and large inland water bodies.
- Observe their distinctive pale grey back, lighter than many other gull species.
- Listen for their high-pitched 'kyow' call, which can help distinguish them from similar gulls.
- In the UK, watch for them year-round in coastal areas and inland during winter.
- In appearance, they are easy to confuse with a Herring Gull, although the latter is larger and much heavier.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Mew Gull
Family:
LaridaePredators
Did You Know?
- Common Gulls can drink fresh and saltwater thanks to special glands that remove excess salt.
- They have been observed using bread as bait to catch fish, showing problem-solving abilities.
- Despite their name, they're not always the most common gull species in many areas.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Larus canus (amended version of 2018 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22694308A155576460.
View source - 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source