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Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

The Herring Gull is a big, gray-and-white bird often seen near the ocean. It has a loud call and loves to scavenge for food!

Habitat: Coastal areas, beaches, and urban locations

Appearance

The Herring Gull is a large gull with a pale grey back and white head and underparts. It has a robust yellow bill with a distinctive red spot near the tip, and pink legs. Its slightly darker grey wings and larger size help differentiate it from some smaller, paler gull species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
Herring Gull
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Herring Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

11

Interesting facts

Herring Gulls can drink both fresh and saltwater thanks to special glands.

The red spot on their bill helps chicks know where to peck for food.

These smart birds often follow fishing boats, knowing where to find easy meals.

They sometimes "foot-patter" on the ground to trick worms into surfacing!

Special abilities

Ability

Shell Smasher

Herring Gulls can drop hard-shelled prey from heights to crack them open, helping them access tricky meals.

Ability

Omni-Feeder

Herring Gulls have an incredibly varied diet, allowing them to thrive by eating almost anything they find.

Ability

Coastal Navigator

Herring Gulls have powerful, efficient wings that help them fly long distances along coastlines and over water.

Measurements & details

Length
55-67 cm
Wingspan
130-150 cm
Weight
0.75-1.5 kg
Lifespan
15-30 years
Top Speed
64 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
28-30 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These opportunistic eaters munch on almost anything they can find, from fish to discarded snacks!

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Insects
  • Eggs
  • Small mammals
  • Carrion
  • Human refuse

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Preys on Herring Gull eggs and chicks.

eats

Blue Mussel

Mytilus edulis

Gulls drop mussels to crack their shells open.

eats

Lugworm

Arenicola marina

Forages for these worms on sandy beaches.

hunts

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

May prey on young rats or scavenge carrion.

Traits

Also known as

Mew Gull

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Herring Gull?

55-67 cm

What is Herring Gull's wingspan?

130-150 cm

How much does Herring Gull weigh?

0.75-1.5 kg

How long does Herring Gull live?

15-30 years

How fast can Herring Gull move?

64 km/h

What does Herring Gull eat?

These opportunistic eaters munch on almost anything they can find, from fish to discarded snacks!

Where is Herring Gull usually found?

Coastal areas, beaches, and urban locations

How does Herring Gull hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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