Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
Length 56-66cm

A familiar and noisy bird, generally the most numerous large gull species. Common around coasts in Britain and Ireland but also inland, especially at rubbish tips. Nests in loose colonies, mainly on sea cliffs but sometimes on rooftops in coastal towns. Adult has blue-grey back and upperwings with white-spotted, black wingtips; body otherwise white but sometimes has dark streaks on nape in winter. Legs pink and bill yellow with orange spot near tip. Juvenile mottled grey-brown with dark bill; acquires adult plumage with successive moults over subsequent two years. Follows boats and can become bold when regularly fed.