Species Profile

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellis

Yellow-legged Gull with summer plumage

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

10 years^[4]

Length

52–68 cm

Weight

550–1600 g

Wingspan

120–155 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

A coastal powerhouse with distinctive yellow legs, this gull rules shorelines and harbours across Europe and beyond.

Also known as: Mediterranean Gull

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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.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

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

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength70/100

Adaptability90/100

Aggression80/100

Endurance75/100

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

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.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

Rutland

ResidentYear-round

Cambridgeshire

ResidentYear-round

Devon

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

East Riding of Yorkshire

ResidentYear-round

Essex

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Hampshire

ResidentYear-round

Isle of Wight

ResidentYear-round

Northumberland

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Oxfordshire

ResidentYear-round

Tyne and Wear

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Stockton-on-Tees

BreedingMar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

West Sussex

ResidentYear-round

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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.

Calls & Sounds

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.

Conservation

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.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 819,000 - 1,070,000 mature individuals (European population)^[3]

Trend: Increasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: 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.

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

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.