|
 Herring Gull Larus argentatus L 54 60, W 123-148. Breeds commonly m colonies or in isolated pairs along sea coasts but also by inland lakes. Often seen in harbours and at rubbish 'tips, present in winter and in large numbers. Adult distinguished from Common Gull by larger size, slower, lazier wingbeats, yellow eyes and bright yellow bill with red spot near tip, from adult Great and Lesser Black-backs from below in flight by lack of dark grey panel along rear edge of wingtip. Legs are greyish-pink, but yellow in races in E Europe and the Mediterranean (cachinnans group; species status suggested by sorrel. Immature is distinguished from immature Lesser Black-back by paler inner primaries than outer (though many immatures in S and SE Europe have uniformly dark primaries, exactly as in Lesser Black-back), from immature Great Black-back (with some difficulty) by smaller size, weaker bill and in most cases slightly darker overall impression and broader dark tail band. Pearl-grey back is acquired in second autumn. Often seen high in the sky, circling in loose flocks, or in direct flight (often in V formation), purposeful but with lazy beats of the gently bowed wings, on route to feeding or roosting site. Often hangs in the wind above the surf, follows fishing boats. Lives on fish and offal as well as birds' eggs and young. Sometimes seen diving clumsily from lower height. The usual calls are loud 'kleow', triumphant, crowing 'kIaOW-kIaOW-kIaOW- . ' and also short whinnying 'ge-ge-ge'. RSWP
|
