Yellow-legged Gull
Least ConcernLarus michahellis
Visual Identification
Yellow-legged Gull
Appearance
The Yellow-legged Gull is a large, robust seabird with a distinctive white head and body, contrasting with its grey back and wings. Its yellow legs and feet are a key identifying feature, along with its strong, yellow bill marked with a red spot near the tip.
Adults display a white head in summer, while winter plumage shows faint grey streaking, and legs may become slightly darker. Both sexes are similar in size and plumage, although side-by-side, it may be possible to distinguish between sexes as the female’s bill is slightly narrower and shorter.
Juveniles have mottled brown plumage, gradually transitioning to adult colouration over four years.
Size
Length
52cm to 68cm
Wingspan
120cm to 155cm
Weight
550g to 1.6kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow Red
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Yellow-legged Gulls primarily inhabit coastal areas around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic coasts of France, Spain, and Portugal. They are also found along the Black Sea and parts of the Middle East.
In recent years, their range has expanded northward, with increasing numbers observed in the UK, particularly during post-breeding dispersal and winter months. They prefer rocky coastlines, islands, and urban coastal areas for breeding.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Mediterranean, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Yellow-legged Gulls have a varied diet, including fish, marine invertebrates, and carrion. They are also known to prey on eggs and chicks of other seabirds. In urban areas, they often scavenge human food waste, displaying their adaptability to different food sources.
They hunt for fish by making shallow dives beneath the ocean surface but are equally at home mobbing other birds for their prey or picking through landfill sites looking for anything edible.
Behaviour
Yellow-legged Gulls are opportunistic feeders, often seen following fishing boats or foraging in urban areas. They are highly adaptable, displaying complex social behaviours within large colonies.
These gulls are known for their aggressive territorial defence during the breeding season, fiercely protecting their nesting sites.
Vocalisation
The Yellow-legged Gull's call is a loud, harsh 'kyow' or 'ah-ah-ah', similar to other large gulls. During courtship, they produce a variety of softer mewing and chuckling sounds.
Their alarm call is a sharp, repetitive 'kek-kek-kek', used to warn of potential threats to the colony.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding typically occurs from April to July, with pairs forming strong, often long-term bonds. Yellow-legged Gulls are colonial nesters, preferring rocky outcrops or flat rooftops in urban coastal areas.
Nests are constructed from vegetation, feathers, and debris, usually on the ground or on building ledges. Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are olive brown with dark splotches.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 28 days. Chicks fledge after 35-40 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Yellow-legged Gull typically lives for 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 19.2 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 the Yellow-legged Gull is listed as Least Concern due to its large range and increasing population, it faces localised threats. These include habitat loss in coastal areas, pollution, and competition with other gull species.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and managing urban populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Yellow-legged Gulls in coastal areas, particularly around harbours and beaches
- Observe their distinctive yellow legs to differentiate them from similar gull species
- Listen for their loud, harsh 'kyow' call, especially during breeding season
- In the UK, check large gull flocks carefully, as Yellow-legged Gulls are less common but increasing in numbers
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Mediterranean Gull
Family:
LaridaePredators
Main predators include large raptors such as White-tailed Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. Terrestrial predators like foxes and rats may prey on eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- Yellow-legged Gulls can drink both fresh and salt water, thanks to special glands that remove excess salt.
- They have been observed using bread as bait to catch fish, showing problem-solving abilities.
- These gulls can live up to 20 years in the wild.
- Until fairly recently, Yellow-legged gulls were considered a subspecies of the Caspian gull or the Herring gull. In 2007, the British Ornithologists’ Union first listed it as a distinct species with key differences in appearance and distribution range from similar-looking gulls.
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References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Larus michahellis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T62030970A154522526.
View source - 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source