Herring gull
Larus argentatus
IUCN Status:Least Concern
Where can they be found?
Hard to miss, easily attracted by a bag of chips!
Please note: this map is intended as a guide for general locations rather than detailed localised populations.
Did you know... It can take four years for a herring gull to get their adult plumage. When they feel threatened, they will use a "dive-bomb" defense mechanism.
Key facts about Herring gulls
This bird needs no introduction, as anyone who's been to the beach will have seen one. Most people call these by their colloquial name ‘sea gull’.
These coastal birds have grey wings, pink legs and a yellow bill marked by a distinctive red spot. As opportunistic feeders, they often follow fishing boats to snatch discarded fish - as well as the odd chip from unfortunate beachgoers! Their adaptability has enabled them to thrive inland as well as along the coast.
There’s much more to herring gulls than their fondness for fish and chips. These birds are highly intelligent, known to use tools such as stones to crack open eggs and shellfish. Their lifespans can exceed 30 years, and they exhibit complex social behaviours like preening, courtship displays, and territorial defense within large colonies.
Despite their resilience, herring gull populations in the UK have fallen by as much as two-thirds since the 1970s. Like other seabirds, they face threats including habitat loss, food scarcity, and pollution.
| IUCN status | Least Concern |
|---|---|
| Age | In comparison to other sea birds, herring gulls have a relatively short lifespan of around 12 years old, but they have been known to reach 20. |
| Diet | Herring gulls eat lots of fish, shellfish and insects, but they will also eat human food waste. |
| Habitat | Man-made habitats, cliffs, above high water, onland |
| Length | 55-67cm and a 130-155cm wingspan |
| Speed and distance | A capable flyer, these birds can fly at 25mph - a helpful pace as they travel significant distances, often flying upto 60 miles away from their colony on their hunt for food. |
| Weight | 700g-1.5kg |
