Herring Gull Facts

Herring gulls, scientifically represented as Larus argentatus, is a species of the family, Laridae. The species classification of herring gull is still controversial, as it shares some specific characteristics with other gulls like the yellow-legged and lesser black-backed gulls. According to the Association of European Rarities Committees, there are six known species of herring gull with several other subspecies. In order to know better about this large gull species, let's take a look at some interesting herring gull facts.

Interesting Facts about Herring Gulls

Herring gulls are the most abundant species of all the gulls, worldwide. 'Herring fish' is believed to be the favorite food for this species of gull, hence the name herring gull. The size of an adult herring gull is medium to large, in which the male is comparatively larger than the female gull.

Identification
Herring gulls weigh about 900-1250 grams and extend to a length of approximately 55-65 cm. The bill is bright yellow with characteristic red spots on the lower tip. The head and the underside of the body is white, while the rest of the body (except the wingtips) is gray. Wingtips are black, separating them from the remaining wing portion. You can learn more on wild bird species identification.

Habitat
For most part of the year, herring gulls live inland and in almost any rubbish dump. For breeding purposes, they migrate to the islands. You will also see herring gulls along the sea beaches and besides large water bodies during the breeding season. In fact, they can adapt to any place where there is a nearby food source.

Diet
Herring gulls are omnivores, feeding on both a vegetarian and non vegetarian diet. Primarily, they are scavengers like other gulls. They feed on a wide range of food, including dead and live fish, shrimp, prawns, eggs, insects, birds, carrion, marine invertebrates, garbage and any other leftover foods.

Behavior
Herring gulls are very noisy and well-known for their loud laughing sound. They communicate with sound as well as body language. The male dominates the female and young ones for food, while the female dominates the male for nesting. Herring gulls are also known for their sociable behavior. Usually, they nest in colonies in a particular area and tend to settle there for a longer period.

Breeding
During courtship, the female gull (hen) approaches the male gull (cock) by making characteristic calls and attaining a submissive posture. The cock responds by assuming an upright posture and making mewing calls. Following this, copulation takes place and both the birds will search for a nesting site. The hen then lays 2-4 eggs that are dark-blotched and olive-green in color.

During the incubation period (28-30 days), the parent gulls rotate the eggs with their bills to ensure hatching. Within 35-40 days after hatching, the juvenile gulls are able to fly. But, feeding of the young ones continue for about 12 weeks. Quite often, the chicks (in the first year) are eaten by other gulls and predators.

Life Cycle
Herring gulls have a long lifespan. On an average, herring gulls live for about 30 years. However, they are also known to survive for as long as 49 years. Death of adult herring gulls is mostly because of food shortage and predators. The primary predators of herring gulls are seals, owls and falcons.

Being a scavenger, the herring gull is very useful for keeping the beaches and the surrounding environment clean. Unfortunately, the population of these gulls has decreased to about 50 percent in the last three decades. As of date, no conservatory step has been taken up to protect this species, which is very important. With this information on herring gull facts, I hope you have understood the characteristic features of this large and abundant gull species.