Herring Gull
by Chris Smith
Title
Herring Gull
Artist
Chris Smith
Medium
Photograph
Description
Herring Gull in flight large gull close-up. The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large gull (up to 26 in (66 cm) long). One of the best known of all gulls along the shores of western Europe, it was once abundant. It breeds across Northern Europe, Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Some European herring gulls, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter, but many are permanent residents, e.g. in the British Isles, Iceland, or on the North Sea shores. European herring gulls are also abundant around inland rubbish dumps, and some have even adapted to live in inland cities. The loud laughing call is well known in the northern hemisphere. The European herring gull also has a yelping alarm call and a low barking anxiety call.
European herring gull chicks and fledglings emit a distinctive, repetitive high-pitched 'peep', accompanied by a head-flicking gesture when begging for food from, or calling to their parents. It should also be noted that adult gulls in urban areas will also exhibit this behaviour when fed by humans.
Uploaded
August 1st, 2014
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