Yellow-legged Gull
ExploreBirds
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellis
The Yellow-legged Gull is a large bird that loves to hang out near the sea. With its bright yellow legs and big wings, it can often be seen soaring above the waves or searching for food on the beach.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Yellow-legged Gull has a striking white body, grey back, and bright yellow legs. Its powerful yellow bill features a distinct red spot near the tip, making it easily identifiable. This species looks similar to the Herring Gull but has darker grey wings and a harsher call.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Some gulls live in big colonies with thousands of other birds, making a noisy home!
These adaptable birds can drink both fresh and saltwater thanks to special glands.
They often steal food from other birds, a trick called kleptoparasitism!
Yellow-legged Gulls build nests on cliffs, rooftops, and even abandoned boats.
Special abilities
Ability
Eagle Eyes
Yellow-legged Gulls can spot tiny food items from high in the sky, helping them find meals quickly.
Ability
Master Scavenger
Yellow-legged Gulls can eat almost anything, allowing them to survive in diverse and changing environments.
Ability
Coastal Acrobat
Yellow-legged Gulls can glide effortlessly on air currents, conserving energy during long flights over water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 55-67 cm
- Wingspan
- 130-158 cm
- Weight
- 0.7-1.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-25 years
- Top Speed
- 70 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-3
- Incubation
- 27-31 days
- Migration Distance
- 1500 km
Diet & Feeding
These clever gulls eat almost anything, from fish to discarded human food!
Primary Foods
- fish
- crustaceans
- insects
- eggs and chicks of other birds
- carrion
- human refuse
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Gulls often prey on the eggs and chicks of this seabird.
eats
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Foxes are known to predate gull nests, especially eggs and chicks.
eaten by
European Pilchard
Sardina pilchardus
Gulls frequently feed on small fish like pilchards, especially near coasts.
eats
Brown Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Rats can sometimes steal eggs or chicks from gull nests.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always keep a safe distance from birds and don't feed them, as it can make them dependent on people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Yellow-legged Gull?
55-67 cm
What is Yellow-legged Gull's wingspan?
130-158 cm
How much does Yellow-legged Gull weigh?
0.7-1.6 kg
How long does Yellow-legged Gull live?
10-25 years
How fast can Yellow-legged Gull move?
70 km/h
What does Yellow-legged Gull eat?
These clever gulls eat almost anything, from fish to discarded human food!
Where is Yellow-legged Gull usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Yellow-legged Gull hunt?
Foraging
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