Herring gull  (Larus argentatus argenteus)

Description

This familiar gull can be distinguished from other gulls by its large size and grey upperparts (2), which earn it the alternative names of 'silver back' and 'silvery gull' (6). During summer, adults have white heads, but in autumn they become streaked with brown (2). They have bright yellow bills with a red tip, and pink legs (7). Juveniles are greyish-brown; the grey upperparts do not develop until after the second winter (2). A number of vocalisations are produced, including the well-known raucous 'laughing' call (2).

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