Mew Gull
Larus canus
Summary 3
Also known as the 'common gull', which is rather misleading, as this gull is not all that common (5). It is generally similar in appearance to the herring gull (L. argentatus) but is smaller, and has a smaller, thinner bill, a more rounded head and more active flight (2). The upperwings are pale grey in colour and have black tips featuring white spots known as 'mirrors' (6). The white head develops grey streaks in winter and the legs and bill are greenish-yellow. Juveniles are greyish brown with brown upperparts (2). The calls produced by common gulls are higher pitched than those of herring gulls; a 'ke ke ke ke kleeeh-a' call is said to resemble laughter (2).
Biology 4
During winter, common gulls feed mainly on earthworms; they are often attracted to recently ploughed fields for this reason (7). At other times of the year they will also feeds on insects, fish, small mammals, carrion and rubbish (3) (6). They are often attracted to rubbish dumps in harsh winter weather (6). The nest is built on the ground, on boulders, in low trees or on buildings, typically near water (2). Occasionally common gulls nest in groups with herring gulls, but they may also nest alone (6). Pairs produce between two and five eggs, which are incubated for up to 28 days. The chicks are fully fledged after a further 35 days (3). These gulls are relatively long-lived, with the maximum recorded life-span being 24 years (3).
Sources and Credits
- (c) Kari Pihlaviita, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.flickr.com/photos/42267636@N08/5929812532
- (c) Billy Lindblom, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.flickr.com/photos/billyboysfotocolection/4735691964/
- Adapted by Yukon Conservation Data Centre from a work by (c) Wildscreen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/2602456
- (c) Wildscreen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/5669720
More Info
Range Map
iNaturalist.ca Map
| Color | grey, white |
|---|---|
| Animal | Bird |
| Bird | gull |
