|
The
Herring Gull is the quintessential basic
"seagull," with no distinctive
characters that immediately set it apart from other gull species. Herring gulls
are large, noisy gulls.
The Herring Gull
is everybody's idea of a seagull, being present throughout the year at coastal
cliffs, beaches, harbours and towns. It is also familiar at inland sites in
winter, especially reservoirs and
refuse tips.
Its pale grey back separates it
from the Black-backed Gulls and its larger size, more menacing profile and
red-spotted beak distinguish
it from the Common Gull. First winter
birds are harder to separate from the similar-sized Lesser Black-backs though
they are slightly bulkier and the feathers of the wing and mantle show more
extensive pale markings,
making their upperparts look blotchy rather than mostly
dark. In flight the inner primaries are noticeably paler than the rest, making a
diagnostic pale panel.
Adults have
light grey backs, white under parts,
and black wing tips with white 'mirrors'.
Their legs are pink, with webbed feet and they have heavy, slightly hooked bills
marked with a red spot. Young birds are mottled brown.
The Herring Gull
regularly drinks fresh water when it is available. If none is around, the gull
will drink seawater. Special glands located over its eyes
allow it to excrete
the salt. The salty excretion can be seen dripping out of the gull's nostrils
and off the end of its bill.
|
