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Coastal Bird

Herring gull

Larus argentatus

The Herring gull is a common large gull found widely across the UK, easily recognised by its grey back, white underparts, and yellow bill with a red spot. It is a versatile coastal and urban bird, often seen scavenging or patrolling shorelines.

Overview Identification Report sighting
At a glance

Quick field summary

The Herring gull is a common large gull found widely across the UK, easily recognised by its grey back, white underparts, and yellow bill with a red spot. It is a versatile coastal and urban bird, often seen scavenging or patrolling shorelines.

Best seenAll year
HabitatCoast Urban Farmland
DietInsects, seeds and berries
StatusGreen
Identification

How to identify Herring gull

Large gull with grey back and white underparts; adult has yellow bill with red spot; pink legs; black wingtips with white spots; juveniles mottled brown.

  • Grey back and white belly
  • Yellow bill with red spot
  • Pink legs
  • Black wingtips with white 'mirrors'
  • Loud, harsh 'kee-ow' call
Where to see it

Habitat, range and timing

Common along UK coasts, especially around harbours and beaches; also frequent in urban areas, landfill sites and farmland.

Widespread resident across the UK coasts and inland urban areas, breeding mainly near the sea but also sometimes inland.

  • East Anglia
  • Scotland Coast
  • Southwest England
  • Northwest England
  • Wales
Spring Pairs establish breeding territories along coasts and urban sites from March onwards.
Summer Common at coastal colonies and urban nesting sites; watch for fledglings from late spring.
Autumn Large numbers gather on coasts and at feeding sites, often seen scavenging refuse tips.
Winter Many birds move inland and to urban areas; commonly seen near towns and cities scavenging food waste.
Behaviour

Song, movement and nesting

Loud, raucous calls often described as harsh 'kee-ow' or 'laughing' sounds.

Nests are built on cliffs, rooftops, and ground on islands or coastal areas, made of seaweed and grass; typically lay 2ā€“3 mottled eggs.

Gallery

Photos and plumage details

Compare

Similar birds

Use shape, plumage and habitat together to separate close matches in the field.

Look-alike guide

Great black-backed gull

Compare the key markings, proportions and likely habitat before confirming your sighting.

View bird profile Look-alike guide

Lesser black-backed gull

Compare the key markings, proportions and likely habitat before confirming your sighting.

View bird profile Look-alike guide

Common gull

Compare the key markings, proportions and likely habitat before confirming your sighting.

View bird profile
Keep exploring

Discover more British birds

Browse a few more field guides and keep building your knowledge of the birds around you.

Common gull British bird profile British bird guide Common gull View profile → Buzzard British bird profile British bird guide Buzzard View profile → Wren British bird profile British bird guide Wren View profile → Sandwich tern British bird profile British bird guide Sandwich tern View profile →
Questions

Common questions

What do Herring gulls eat?

They have a varied diet including fish, invertebrates, scraps, and refuse.

Are Herring gulls aggressive?

They can be bold and aggressive when defending nests or scavenging food.

Where do Herring gulls breed?

They breed mostly on coastal cliffs, islands, and sometimes urban rooftops.

How can I tell a Herring gull from similar gulls?

Look for grey back, pink legs, and yellow bill with red spot in adults.

Do Herring gulls migrate?

They are mostly resident but some northern and eastern populations may move south or coastal areas in winter.

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