European Herring Gull

The typical 'seagull' of Atlantic Europe. It is a large gull with a pale grey back and pink legs. It has a heavy yellow bill with a red spot on the lower part. While traditionally a coastal bird, it is now a successful urban resident nesting on rooftops. It is an intelligent bird that often scavenges for food in cities.

Herring Gulls are opportunistic omnivores. They are famous for 'laughing' calls. They crack open shellfish by dropping them onto hard surfaces from a height. They have a complex social language. They can learn the schedules of fishing boats or when people put out trash.