Common Gull

Larus canus

Also known as the Mew Gull, this adaptable seabird thrives in coastal areas and urban spaces alike, known for its piercing calls and opportunistic feeding habits.

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Visual Identification

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

The Common Gull is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Common Gull is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Common Gull can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Common Gull can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Common Gull can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Common Gull is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Common Gull is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Common Gull is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Common Gull is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Common Gull is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Common Gull is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Common Gull is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Gull. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons