Bird · GBIF taxon 9413670
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisAlso known as Western Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Yellow-legged Gull
Yellow-legged Gulls dominate coastal and inland waterways across southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin with booming calls and an assertive presence. Adults boast bright yellow legs, a red spot near the tip of a heavy bill, and slate-grey mantles. Highly adaptable opportunistic feeders, they nest in noisy colonies on rocky cliffs, islands, and increasingly on city rooftops.
SeabirdCoastalOpportunistic
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fish
- Marine Invertebrates
- Small Rodents
Predators
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
- Red Fox
- Peregrine Falcon
ThreatsCulling programs, urban conflict, marine pollution, and fishing gear entanglement
HabitatsRocky coasts, islands, estuaries, lakes, reservoirs, and urban areas
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCharadriiformes
- FamilyLaridae
- GenusLarus
- SpeciesLarus michahellis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Aggressive adults may dive-bomb or peck if approached near nesting sites; observe nests from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Nesting Caution: Give nesting colonies on cliffs and rooftops a wide berth, as protective parents vigorously defend their chicks.
- Identification Focus: Check leg color and mantle shade carefully to distinguish adults from European Herring Gulls.
- Waste Management: Avoid feeding gulls scraps to discourage aggressive begging in coastal cities and outdoor dining areas.
Competitor Andreas Trepte / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Donald Davesne, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Donald Davesne · cc-by
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