Common Gull

Larus canus

The common gull in Britain is not this species but the Black-headed Gull. The Common Gull is like a smaller Herring Gull. Breeds right round the Northern parts of Eurasia and into the Western part of North America (where it is called the Mew Gull).

It is much smaller than a Herring or Ring-billed Gull. Its bill is rather weak and predominately greenish yellow as are its legs. This is a colonial nester generally in remote areas. It is mainly coastal in the winter with birds coming further South on both coasts of the Pacific than the East coast of the Atlantic. In Britain it is mainly found nesting in Scotland and the far North-West of Ireland but there are a few colonies in England. However it is a very common winter visitor, including inland in Britain. Expanding long-term with current population estimate of 68,000 pairs and a further 4,000 in Ireland.

A dove-like small gull with wing mirrors.

Length	410 mm
Closed wing	350 mm
Weight	400 gms

A Bird On! Sketch by Chris Mead
Copyright © 1996 by Jacobi Jayne & Company and Chris Mead