European Herring Gull

Gulls, Terns, Skimmers 👁 69 views Updated 2026-11-01

European Herring Gull (<em>Larus argentatus</em>) is a species of Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (<em>Laridae</em>) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids.

Overview

European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is a species of Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (Laridae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids. A large gray-and-white gull with pink legs and a fierce-looking yellow bill with red spot; common along coasts and in cities, a bold and adaptable scavenger; the 'seagull' of popular imagination.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Larus; binomial: Larus argentatus; authority: Pontoppidan, 1763. Typical size: 55-67cm. Average lifespan: 15-30 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Change English name of Larus argentatus to European Herring Gull with split of L. smithsonianus (Sangster et al. 2005).

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