| Common Gull | |
|---|---|
 Adult in winter plumage | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Charadriiformes |
| Family: | Laridae |
| Genus: | Larus |
| Species: | Larus canus |
The Common Gull (Larus canus) is a gull that, as well as being found at sea, is a common sight inland.
It is a Eurasian species. North American birds, also known as the Mew Gulls, are now known to be a separate species, the Short-billed Gull (Larus brachyrhynchus).
Appearance[]
The Common Gull resembles a miniature European Herring Gull in appearance, with a daintier general shape, a proportionately smaller, narrower bill and a more rounded head. It measures 40-46 cm in length and 110-130 cm in wingspan. In summer, the adult Common Gull has a white head, neck and underparts, it has a gray back and wings, as well as a white tail, a yellow bill, dark eyes and yellow-green legs. Its wings have white trailing edges and black tips with relatively large white spots. In winter, it has some dark streaking on the head a black bar on the bill. The Common Gull may resemble a Black-legged Kittiwake, which, however, has short, black legs and solid black wingtips, and is of strictly pelagic habits. The juvenile Common Gull has a mottled grey-brown plumage with dark wings, a white rump and a white tail with a black tail-band, a dark bill and pinkish-brown legs. The bird reaches its adult plumage on the third year of its life.
Voice[]
The Common Gull has a high-pitched, mewing voice. Its call is a loud, nasal, and sometimes raucous "kiee".
Habits[]
Common Gulls will often fight other, smaller gulls or birds to steal food from them. They seem to enjoy grasslands and agricultural areas.
Feeding[]
As well as fish and shellfish, the Common Gull feeds on earthworms and other invertebrates. When inland, it may also feed on fruit.
Nesting[]
Nesting occurs from mid-May to July. Common Gull’s nests are built next to water, both on rocky cliffs and grassy or pebbly shores, and made out of twigs and debris. They lay 2 or 3 pale blue or olive brown eggs, their eggs also have markings. Incubation lasts for about 24 days. The young fledge 4-5 weeks after hatching.
Distribution[]
The Common Gull is found in Great Britain, Iceland, the Baltic region, Scandinavia and Russia. It is also found in northern Asia.
Gallery[]
