Common Gull
Larus canus
Overview
The Common Gull is, confusingly, not Britain's most common gull — Black-headed and Herring Gulls both outnumber it. It occupies a middle size between the smaller Black-headed and larger Herring Gull. It has a gentle, dove-like expression with rounded head and dark eye — quite different from the fierce yellow-eyed Herring Gull. Follows agricultural machinery on farmland behind the sea wall in winter and roosts at Marshside.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Habitat | Farmland · Coastal lagoon · Beach · Estuary |
| Diet | Earthworms, invertebrates, fish, scraps — follows ploughs on farmland |
| UK population | Around 50,000 pairs; amber-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Common in winter; present year-round in smaller numbers |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB, farmland around the coast, beach. Mixed in with Black-headed Gull flocks.
Identification
Medium gull. White head in winter (grey streaking). Grey back, yellow-green bill (no red spot). Dark eye giving gentle expression. In flight: white spots on black wingtips. Smaller than Herring, larger than Black-headed.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check any mixed gull flock — Common Gulls are usually outnumbered by Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls. The gentle, rounded head and green-yellow bill are the key features.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Common Gull from Herring Gull?
Size and bill are the key features. Common Gull is noticeably smaller with a more rounded, gentle head and dark eye. The bill is thinner and yellow-green with no red spot (Herring Gull has a yellow bill with a distinctive red spot). In winter, Common Gull has finely streaked brown on the head; Herring Gull has heavier blotchy streaking.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.