Common gull

The common gull is a medium-sized gull that breeds in cool temperate regions of the Palearctic from Iceland and Scotland east to Kamchatka in the Russian Far East. Most common gulls migrate further south in winter, reaching the Mediterranean Sea, the southern Caspian Sea, and the seas around China and Japan; northwest European populations are at least partly resident. The closely related short-billed gull was formerly often included in this species, which was then sometimes known collectively as "mew gull".

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Distribution

Region

Palearctic

Typical Environment

Breeds from Iceland and the British Isles across Scandinavia and northern Russia to Kamchatka, using coastal cliffs, islands, and inland wetlands. In winter it disperses to temperate coasts, estuaries, large lakes, and urban harbors around Europe and East Asia. It frequents agricultural fields, shorelines, and fish-rich waters, readily foraging at landfills and ports. Inland breeders often use lakes, bogs, and marshy meadows, while coastal populations nest on low islands or grassy headlands.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size40–46 cm

Wing Span100–120 cm

Male Weight0.55 kg

Female Weight0.45 kg

Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also known as the mew gull in some regions, the common gull breeds across northern Eurasia and winters farther south. It is often confused with the similar ring-billed gull but has darker eyes and greenish-yellow legs. The short-billed gull of North America was formerly included in this species but is now treated as separate. In winter, subtle head streaking and slightly darker wingtips help with identification.

Gallery

Winter plumage

Adult breeding plumage, Norway

Breeding adults have red rings around dark eyes Kizhi Island, Russia

Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Behaviour

Temperament

social and opportunistic

Flight Pattern

strong flier with steady wingbeats; buoyant glides

Social Behavior

Typically nests in loose colonies on the ground near water, using grass or seaweed to build shallow nests. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, with both sexes incubating and tending chicks. Outside the breeding season, it forms mixed-species flocks at feeding sites and roosts.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Vocal repertoire includes mewing, yelping calls and nasal kek notes, especially around colonies. Display calls are softer and more melodious than many larger gulls, giving rise to the name 'mew' gull.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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Common kestrel

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