Common Gull
Larus canus
Aves › Charadriiformes › Laridae › Larus
Conservation status: least_concern
This medium-sized gull is an omnivore that scavenges and hunts small prey. It is notable for its high-pitched "laughing" cry. The global population is estimated to be about one million pairs.
How To Identify
These medium to large gulls are characterized by variable plumage, often appearing mottled gray and white. They possess long wings relative to their body size and a sturdy, versatile bill suitable for fishing and scavenging.
Habitat
It typically inhabits coastal areas, inland lakes, rivers, and urban centers across the temperate and Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Behaviour
Common Gulls are highly adaptable foragers that follow ploughs and fishing boats, but they are notably less aggressive than larger gull species and often defer to them at feeding sites.
Native Range
The common gull (Larus canus) is a medium-sized gull that breeds in cool temperate regions of the Palearctic from Iceland and Scotland east to Kamchatka in the Russian Far East.
Did You Know?
Common Gulls are remarkably vocal and can produce over a dozen distinct calls, from mewing cries to aggressive laughs, making them some of the most communicative gulls in the Northern Hemisphere.
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