
The quintessential ‘seagull’, the herring gull (Larus argentatus) is perhaps the most familiar seabird in the Northern Hemisphere. Yet, distinguishing this species from a number of other gull species is somewhat challenging. Like many other gulls, it has an all-white head and neck, with a pale grey back and grey upperwings; however, it is the only gull with pink legs and black wing-tips with white spots (known as ‘mirrors’). It may also be identified by its heavy, slightly hooked bill with bold red tip. Outside of the breeding season, the adult herring gull’s white head and neck becomes streaked with brown, and the bill and the orange ring around the eyes fade in colour. Juvenille herring gulls are mottled dark greyish-brown, and they undergo seven changes in plumage before adulthood. The herring gull is a large, heavy-bodied gull with fully-webbed feet and a flattened forehead that gives it a ‘mean’ appearance. It is an extremely noisy bird and a number of vocalizations are produced, including the well-known raucous ‘laughing’ call. A familiar sight in seaside towns, the herring gull is versatile and opportunistic, exploiting almost any available food source. Although adept at catching its own prey, the herring gull will also regularly scavenge or pirate food from other seabirds. When forced to drink saltwater, the herring gull is able to expel excess salt from its body through specialised glands above the eyes. Herring gulls can live for up to 32 years.
Contents
Roles
- It played Rico in the Madagascar Series (NatureRules1 Style)
- It played Stephen in the Madagascar Series (NatureRules1 and GavenLovesAnimals' Style)
- They played the Rats in Serengeti (Madagascar) Series
- It played as Xianglong in OCEAN ANIMAL
- It played as Rook in Walking With Ocean Animals: The Movie
- It played Michelangelo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Seagulls
Gallery
Books
See Also
- Characters
- Animals
- European Animals
- Shorebirds
- Fantasia Animals
- Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Animals
- Zoo Tycoon Animals
- Baby Einstein Animals
- James and the Giant Peach Animals
- Frozen Animals
- Sonic the Hedgehog Animals
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- Marco and Gina Animals
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- Codename: Kids Next Door Animals
- RollerCoaster Tycoon Animals
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- Ocean Life Dictionary Animals
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- Encyclopedia Of Animals Animals
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- The Truth About Animal Intelligence Animals
- My Dad the Rock Star Animals
- I Wonder How Parrots Can Talk Animals
- What is a Bird Animals
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- Wild Creatures (Eyes On Nature) Animals
- Visual Dictionary of Animals Animals
- 100 Most Feared Creatures Animals
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- Countdown to Extinction: Animals in Danger Animals
- Over 100 Questions and Answers to Things You Want to Know Animals
- Birds (Over 100 Questions and Answers to Things You Want to Know) Animals
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