Common Gull

Larus canus

Common gulls perform a 'rain dance' by rapidly paddling their feet on the ground to vibrate the soil, tricking earthworms into thinking it is raining so they surface.

Scientific name

Larus canus

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Charadriiformes › Laridae › Larus

IUCN Red List status

Least Concern

Population trend

decreasing

Biome

wetland

Habitat

Coastal cliffs, estuaries, marshes, lakesides, and increasingly urban parks or landfills.

Diet

Omnivorous; consumes insects, fish, aquatic invertebrates, worms, and organic waste.

Range

Northern Europe, Northern Asia, Northwestern North America, Mediterranean coasts (winter)

Size

40-46 cm in length with a 100-120 cm wingspan

Lifespan

10-15 years in the wild

Active

diurnal

Threats

Habitat degradation, marine pollution, overfishing reducing natural prey, and avian influenza.

Safe to approach?

Harmless but opportunistic. Do not feed human food, especially bread, as it lacks nutrition. Maintain a 5-meter distance. If the bird swoops or calls loudly, you are likely near a nest; hold an umbrella or stick above your head and calmly exit the area.

The common gull ( Larus canus ) is a medium-sized gull which breeds in northern Asia, northern Europe and northwestern North America. The North American subspecies is commonly referred to as the mew gull , although that name is also used by some authorities for the whole species. It migrates further south in winter. There are differing accounts as to how the species acquired its vernacular name (see Etymology section below).

Photo: Estormiz, no known copyright restrictions (public domain), PD, via iNaturalist

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