European Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

The ultimate seaside scavenger, this adaptable gull is as comfortable stealing chips on a bustling boardwalk as it is soaring over coastal cliffs.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Herring Gull is a large, robust seabird with a distinctive white head and body, contrasting with light grey wings and black wingtips. Its yellow bill features a red spot near the tip, and it has pink legs.

Non-breeding birds have grey-brown streaks on the head and neck. Juveniles display mottled brown feathers, gradually transitioning to adult plumage over four years. Both sexes look alike, with males slightly larger on average.

Size

Length

55cm to 67cm

Wingspan

130cm to 158cm

Weight

800g to 1.25kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

White Grey

Secondary Colour

Black

Beak Colour

Yellow

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The European Herring Gull can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The European Herring Gull can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The European Herring Gull is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Herring Gulls are primarily coastal birds found along the shorelines of Europe and parts of Asia. They frequent rocky coasts, beaches, and offshore islands during the breeding season.

In winter, many birds move inland or further south. They are common in the UK and are often seen in coastal cities and towns, as well as around large lakes and reservoirs.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a European Herring 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