Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellis

Genus ยท Large White-headed Gulls Family ยท Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
๐Ÿ•’ Any
Activity
โ˜€๏ธ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
PiersRoofsUrban

Look for bright yellow legs and the red ring around the eye. Their bill often looks slightly bulbous at the tip.

Yellow-legged Gull
Stats
Wingspan120โ€“155 cm
Weight750โ€“1300 g
Length52โ€“68 cm
Lifespan wild10โ€“25 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size2โ€“3 eggs
Incubation27โ€“30 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationResident
Social BehaviourColonial

Diet: Omnivore

๐ŸฆดCarrion
๐Ÿฆ€Crustaceans
๐ŸฅšEggs
๐ŸŸFish
๐Ÿ•Human food
๐ŸญMammals

Habitat

๐Ÿ›ถ Lake wetlands๐ŸŒŠ Marine๐Ÿž๏ธ River๐Ÿ™๏ธ Urban
โœฆ Fun Fact

These gulls take four years to reach adult plumage. This slow transition acts as a 'social uniform,' signaling their age and status to help them avoid conflict with dominant adults.

About

The primary large gull of the Mediterranean. It has recently expanded its range into Central and Northern Europe. It is similar to the Herring Gull but has a darker grey back and bright yellow legs. A red ring around its eye gives it a stern expression. It thrives in coastal cities and harbors.

Behaviour

Yellow-legged Gulls are highly aggressive and vocal. Their nasal 'long call' is deeper than the Herring Gull's. They are versatile hunters and scavengers, often following tides for fish or visiting landfills. In many Mediterranean cities, they have fully adapted to urban life and are notoriously bold, frequently stealing food directly from people's hands.
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