COMMON GULL
Larus canus
DESCRIPTION
The Common Gull (Larus canus) is a medium-sized gull found across Europe and parts of Asia. It is characterized by its gray wings, white head, and black legs, making it easily recognizable in coastal and inland areas.
FUN FACTS
- Common Gulls are known for their adaptability to urban environments | They can live up to 15 years in the wild | Their diet can include a wide range of food items, from fish to human leftovers
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight300-500 g
Average Length40-50 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — often seen in flocks, especially during feeding
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Common Gulls inhabit a variety of environments, including coastal areas, lakes, and rivers. They are often found in urban areas where food is readily available.
- Biomes
- Coastal, Freshwater, Urban
- Native Range
- The Common Gull breeds in northern and central Europe and migrates to southern Europe and parts of Asia during winter.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia
- Countries
- United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Poland
- Diet
- Common Gulls are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming fish, invertebrates, and scraps from human activities. They are known to forage both on land and in water.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fish, invertebrates, human food scraps
- Social Structure
- group — often seen in flocks, especially during feeding
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-100
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
300-500 g
Weight
40-50 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Gray wings, white head and body, black legs
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Common Gulls is generally stable, with large numbers in breeding colonies.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss and pollution, which can affect their breeding success and food availability.
- Predators
- Large birds of prey, foxes, and domestic cats
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often use aggressive vocalizations and mobbing behavior to defend their nests.
- Compatible Animals
- other gull species, ducks, swans
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon