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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
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeaerial trait badgeomnivorous trait badge
Herring Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

12

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
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

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 to identify Herring Gull?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

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

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

Fota Wildlife Park place preview
Zoo39 sightings15 species

Municipal District of Cobh, IE

Fota Wildlife Park

Family Friendly, Wildlife Conservation, Wheelchair Accessible, Open Range Zoo, Animal Encounters, Education, Photography, Outdoor Activity

You might spot Ring-Tailed Lemur, Giraffes, and Cheetahs.

View guide →

Belfast Zoo place preview
Zoo9 sightings14 species

Northern Ireland, UK

Belfast Zoo

Accessible and Animal Encounters

You might spot Giraffes, Spectacled Bear, and Goodfellow's Tree-Kangaroo.

View guide →

Diergaarde Blijdorp place preview
Zoo15 sightings14 species

South Holland, NL

Diergaarde Blijdorp

Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Conservation, Zoogeographic Exhibits, Aquarium, Historic Site, Wildlife Photography, Educational.

You might spot Polar Bear, Gorilla, and Asiatic Lion.

View guide →

Howletts Wild Animal Park place preview
Zoo19 sightings13 species

England, UK

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Accessible and African Elephants

You might spot African Elephant, Gorilla, and Tiger.

View guide →

Zoo am Meer place preview
Zoo20 sightings13 species

Bremen, DE

Zoo am Meer

Coastal Zoo, Animal Encounters, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Conservation, Polar Animals, Marine Life, Underwater Viewing, Dog Friendly, North Sea Aquarium.

You might spot Polar Bear, Humboldt Penguin, and Harbor Seal.

View guide →

Aalborg Zoo place preview
Zoo11 sightings12 species

North Denmark Region, DK

Aalborg Zoo

Animal Conservation and Animal Encounters

You might spot Polar Bear, Orangutans, and Tiger.

View guide →

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