Species · GBIF taxon 7982160
Common Gull
Larus canusAlso known as Mew Gull, Sea Mew, Storm Gull
Common gulls are elegant, medium-sized seabirds characterized by their clean white heads, soft grey backs, and distinctive greenish-yellow legs. They are highly adaptable foragers, frequently seen following tractors in agricultural fields to snatch up exposed earthworms or patrolling coastal mudflats for small invertebrates. During the breeding season, these social birds gather in noisy colonies on islands, cliffs, and occasionally gravel roofs.
CoastalMigratorySocial
Licensed reference(c) Andreas Trepte, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on fish, insects, earthworms, mollusks, and organic waste
- family
- Laridae
- threats
- Marine pollution, overfishing of prey species, and coastal development
- life Span
- 15 to 20 years
LC
Capable of a defensive bite if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
- Leg and Bill Color: Distinguish them from larger gulls by their greenish-yellow legs and thin, unmarked yellow bill.
- Feeding Etiquette: Avoid offering bread or processed foods, which lack nutritional value and pollute waterways.
- Nesting Colonies: Keep a safe distance from nesting sites in spring to avoid defensive dive-bombing behavior.