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
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small Fish
- Earthworms
- Marine Invertebrates
Predators
- Red Fox
- Peregrine Falcon
- White-tailed Eagle
ThreatsMarine pollution, overfishing of prey species, and coastal development
HabitatsEstuaries, coastal beaches, lakes, rivers, and agricultural fields
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLaridae
- SpeciesLarus canus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a defensive bite if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Competitor Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) Alexis Lours, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Lours · cc-by
Close Relative
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