Seagull in flight swooping out over the sea

Seagull in flight swooping out over the sea

Herring Gull, very much resembling an angel as it perches on the edge of a precipice drying its wings, its pristine white feathers contrasting with the deep blue of the sea behind. Herring Gulls are versatile birds, having no specific requirements for particular types of habitat or specific types of food. This means that they can thrive in a wide range of environments from rocky cliffs to gassy islands, sand dunes and tundras. Much of their food is obtained by diving into the sea, although because of their natural buoyancey, they are unable to dive deeper than 1 - 2 metres.

Great Black-backed Gull swooping out over the sea hunting for fish, the blue colour of the ocean blending seamlessly into pristine blue skies.Although Great Black-back Gulls, like many seagulls are known for the fact that they are scavengers at refuse tips, they also hunt and kill live prey. They can be seen hunting along the coastlines, especially during the breeding season, preying on seabird eggs, nestlings or fledgelings. Great Black-backed Gulls will also hunt over the ocean near the coastline, grabbing fish that swim too close to the surface of the sea.

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Facts about Great Black-backed Gulls

Other Name(s): Greater Black-backed Gull, Black-back
Scientific Name: Larus marinus
Size: 64 - 79 cm
Weight: .75 - 2.3 kg
Wingspan: 1.5 - 1.7 cm
Lifespan: 27 years
Diet: Shellfish, birds, carrion, often scavenging
Habitat: Rock coasts, estuaries, lakes, ponds, rivers, moorland
Distribution: Europe, North America, North Atlantic Islands
Conservation: Least Concern