Species Profile
Common Gull
Larus canus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Mew Gull
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Green
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
Cambridgeshire
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
West Yorkshire
West Sussex
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.
Calls & Sounds
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.
Conservation
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.
Elevation
Sea level to 1,400 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include large raptors such as Great Black-backed Gulls, Peregrine Falcons, and White-tailed Eagles. Ground predators like foxes and rats may prey on eggs and chicks.
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.
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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