Species Profile

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

20–30 years

Length

55–67 cm

Weight

800–1250 g

Wingspan

130–158 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

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

Also known as: Herring Gull

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Gallery

A pair of Herring Gulls during courtship

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.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Secondary: Black
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Pink

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength70/100

Adaptability95/100

Aggression80/100

Endurance88/100

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

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.

Distribution

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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

Bristol

Cheshire

Cornwall

Cumbria

Derbyshire

Devon

Dorset

Durham

East Riding of Yorkshire

Essex

East Sussex

Gloucestershire

Hampshire

Herefordshire

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

Shropshire

Somerset

Surrey

Staffordshire

Stockton-on-Tees

Warwickshire

Wiltshire

West Yorkshire

Worcestershire

West Sussex

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Diet

Herring Gulls have a varied diet, including fish, marine invertebrates, and carrion. They also steal food from other birds and are skilled scavengers, often seen foraging in urban areas for human food waste.

Their ability to exploit diverse food sources, from mussels to chips, contributes to their adaptability and widespread distribution. Discarded food and scraps around towns and landfills are essential food sources in many areas.

Behaviour

Herring Gulls are opportunistic and adaptable birds. They often follow fishing boats, looking for discarded fish, and have learned to drop hard-shelled molluscs onto rocks to break them open. These gulls are social, often seen in large, noisy flocks, especially during breeding season or at rich food sources.

Calls & Sounds

Herring Gulls are known for their loud, raucous calls. Their most recognisable vocalisation is a piercing 'kyow' or 'kee-ow', often described as a laughing sound. They also produce a variety of other calls, including a rapid 'kuk-kuk-kuk' when alarmed or a soft mewing during courtship.

They utter their characteristic screaming ‘long call’ when approached by other gulls near their nest or when feeding. This call serves an aggressive territorial function.

Nesting & Breeding

Herring Gulls typically breed in large, noisy colonies. Pair formation begins in spring, with elaborate courtship displays, including head-tossing and mewing calls.

Nests are built on the ground or on cliff edges, constructed from grass, seaweed, and other plant material. Females lay 2-3 eggs, olive-brown in colour with dark splotches.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 28-30 days. Chicks fledge after 5-6 weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Conservation

While Herring Gulls are listed as Least Concern globally, some regional populations have declined. In the UK, they are on the Red List of conservation concerns due to significant population decreases. Urban development and changes in fishing practices have impacted their traditional habitats and food sources.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 1,060,000 - 1,220,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Adult Herring Gulls have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to large raptors, foxes, and rats. In urban areas, domestic cats may also pose a threat to young gulls.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Herring Gulls near coastal areas, harbours, and urban centres
Observe their behaviour around fishing boats for easy identification
Listen for their loud, laughing 'kyow' call
In the UK, watch for them scavenging in seaside towns
Compare with other gull species to note distinctive size and colouration

Did You Know?

Herring Gulls can drink fresh and salt water, thanks to special glands that remove excess salt.
They can live for over 30 years in the wild, with the oldest recorded individual reaching 49 years.
These gulls have been observed using bread as bait to catch fish, demonstrating tool use.