The Common Gull
Common Gull Larus canus L 43, W 109. Breeds commonly (in Britain locally) in isolated pairs or colonially, by coastal and inland waters, mainly in N Europe. Preferred nest site is high up, e.g. on large boulders sticking up out of the water (also on piles, even house roofs). Picks up worms on fields in flocks. Adult like Herring Gull, but smaller and narrower-winged, flies with quicker and more vigorous wingbeats, and has dark eyes and weaker, greenish-yellow bill without red spot. Distinguished from Kittiwake by prominent white patches on the otherwise black tips of the primaries. Juvenile has sharply defined black band on the tail, brown back which is moulted to blue-grey as early as the autumn, brown wing-coverts which are retained during the winter. Calls are higher and weaker than Herring Gull's, are loud, heard often, e.g. high cackling 'kakaka . . . ', falsetto scream 'kleee-a', and also persistent alarm call 'klee-UU-klee-UU- . . . '. RSWP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
