Gulls

Herring Gull                                                                           Great Black-Backed Gull

Scientific name                                                                                                 Scientific name

Larus argentatus                                                                                                Larus marinus

Gaelic name                                                                                                       Gaelic name              

Glas-Fhaoileag                                                                                                   Farspach

There are many different species of gull. The commonest and more widespread is the Herring Gull. The largest and darkest gull is the Great Black-Backed Gull. In the Gull Family you can find as well Kittiwakes and Terns.

Physical Description

Most of the gulls have a red spot on their beak.

Herring Gulls can measure 56-66 cm and can weigh 800-1250 g (= 3 foot balls). They are white with grey wings and have pink legs.

Great Black-backed Gulls are bigger than Herring Gulls, they can be 71-79 cm tall and weigh 1300-2000 g (= 5 foot balls). They are white with black wings and have pink legs as well.

Feeding

Gulls are omnivorous, it means that they can eat anything even Fish and Chips!

Behaviour

Herring Gulls are very noisy and numerous. You can easily see them in most of seaside towns. or around boats at sea.

Great Black-backed Gulls are generally silent and don't live in colonies.

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