Herring Gull Larus argentatus
The Herring Gull is native to (mainly) coastal areas of Northwest Europe. It is sometimes called the
European Herring Gull to distinguish from the American Herring Gull. It has two subspecies, the Scandinavian (some of which
migrate south in winter) and the Western European, mostly resident.
The Herring Gull has a pale silver-grey back and wings
and pink legs as a juvenile and an adult.
Like other adult "Larus" gulls,
it has a red spot on the lower beak.
Like most gulls, the Herring Gull is a gregarious, flocking bird. Above is a nursery for juveniles.
Anti-gull spikes are no deterrent.
Herring Gulls love stealing ice-cream
and fish and chips.
The undercarriage, under-wing and tail are white
and the wing-tips black with white windows.
Bathing
A juvenile gull on the turn to adult plumage
with black bill tip turning yellow and the red spot appearing.
Some young adults are streaky-headed.
Young Herring Gull with parent - early plumage
Young Herring Gull - later plumage
Young Herring Gull - final plumage before adult
Young Herring Gulls
Young Herring Gull in flight
Lucy in the sky with diamonds
Links:
Herring Gull chick
Black-headed Gull
Yellow-legged Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull