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Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

Photo by Micolo
Published on Project Noah
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55.1976, -1.53954

Field Notes

Description:

These large gulls are on the RSPB red list due to a 33% decline in breeding pairs during the past 10-15yrs.

Habitat:

Found in inshore waters and off-shore fishing grounds. Concentrated at or near coasts and breeds on cliffs, beaches, moorland and buildings.

Clutch of 2-4 eggs incubated by both adults for 30days. The juveniles can fly within 35-40days but don't have the adult colouring of feathers(as photo) till after their first winter

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Micolo
I knew it was termed "Silver gull" in Germany but the other information is new to me and very interesting. Thank you both for that!
Ursula Fricke
Thanks, Lenny, I have the Clements on my to-buy-list, I guess it'll be the next book I buy. ;)
LennyWorthington
Just for you Ursula ( from Clements) Larus argentatus smithsonianus Herring Gull (American) N North America (Alaska to Atlantic coast); winters to C America Larus argentatus vegae Herring Gull (Vega) NE Siberia; winters south to China Larus argentatus argentatus/argenteus Herring Gull (European) Larus argentatus argenteus Northwest Europe; winters to n Iberia Larus argentatus argentatus Scandinavia to Kola Peninsula; winters n and w Europe Ursula.British birdwatchers are among if not the best in the world.I f any species of Gull turned up in British waters it would be identified in minutes.
Ursula Fricke
Great shot, but the name drives me nuts. The Larus argentatus is called Silver Gull in Germany and what we call a Herring Gull is Larus fuscus (Lesser Black-backed Gull). So every time I see a Herring Gull on an English language site I'm confused. :D I should stick to one language...

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Birds of Britain

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PublishedMay 23, 2013

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