The yellow-legged gull or western yellow-legged gull is a large gull found in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, which has only recently achieved wide recognition as a distinct species. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of either the Caspian gull L. cachinnans, or more broadly as a subspecies of the herring gull L. argentatus. The genus name is from Latin Larus which appears to have referred to a gull or other large seabird, and the species name honours the German zoologist Karl Michahelles.
Region
Mediterranean Basin and Western Palearctic coasts
Typical Environment
Breeds widely around the Mediterranean and Black Seas, on coastal cliffs, islands, harbors, and increasingly on urban structures. It also occurs along Atlantic coasts from the Iberian Peninsula north to western France and disperses to the British Isles and inland reservoirs. Non-breeding birds range broadly along European and North African coasts and move through large river systems. The species readily exploits human-altered habitats including ports, fisheries, agricultural fields, and landfills.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently split from the herring gull complex, the yellow-legged gull is now widely recognized as a distinct species centered around the Mediterranean. Adults have noticeably yellow legs, a deeper yellow bill with a prominent red gonys spot, and less head streaking in winter than herring gulls. It adapts readily to human environments, nesting on rooftops and foraging at fishing ports and landfills. Hybridization with closely related gulls can occur in contact zones, complicating identification.
Yellow-legged gull in Porto, Portugal
Mating on roof-top, Constanta, Romania
Nominate L. m. michahellis, Elba
Head of a two-year old yellow-legged gull taken at the Breton coast
Juvenile with open beak
Yellow-legged gull eating a Eurasian collared dove in Barcelona
Larus michahellis atlantis - MHNT.
Three yellow-legged gull eggs in a ground nest in the Azores.
A yellow-legged gull egg in a ground nest with a 2-euro coin for scale.
Temperament
bold and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and frequent soaring glides
Social Behavior
Typically nests colonially on coastal cliffs, islands, and rooftops, often in dense mixed-age groups. Pairs are monogamous within a season and both sexes participate in incubation and chick-rearing. Outside the breeding season, forms loose to large flocks at feeding sites and roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, ringing yelps and cackles reminiscent of herring gull but slightly deeper and harsher. Also gives rapid alarm series and nasal calls during territorial disputes and at colonies.
