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Herring gull

Larus argentatus

Herring gulls are large, noisy gulls found throughout the year around our coasts and inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes, especially during winter.

Adults have light grey backs, white under parts and black wing tips with white 'mirrors'. Their legs are pink, with webbed feet and they have heavy, slightly hooked bills marked with a red spot. Young birds are mottled brown.

They have suffered moderate declines over the past 25 years and over half of their UK breeding population is confined to fewer than 10 sites.

Breeding

Often in colonies, on coastal sites around the UK, including cliffs with grassy slopes, shingle beaches, small islands and rooftops in seaside towns: also on moors.

Winter

Primarily in coastal areas but generally more widespread in winter, ranging inland to feed on rubbish tips and roost on large lochs.

Eat

Omnivorous - a scavenger.

Sound

Loud wails and laughs or more plaintive mewing.

Spot them

All year round: throughout the year around our coasts and inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes, especially during winter. See them on the Bass Rock, Isle of May, Craigleith and Fidra.

Herring gull facts