Herring Gull

[[Image:Herringgull.jpg]]

[[Image:Herringgull.jpg]]

'''Scientific Name:''' Larus argentatus

'''Scientific Name:''' Larus argentatus

'''Habitat:''' North America and Eurasia; Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It breeds across North America, Europe and Asia. Some Herring Gulls, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter, but many are permanent residents, e.g. those on the lower Great Lakes, on the east coast of North America or at the North Sea shores. Herring Gulls are also abundant around inland garbage dumps, and some have even adapted to life in inland cities.

'''Habitat:''' North America and Eurasia; Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It breeds across North America, Europe and Asia. Some Herring Gulls, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter, but many are permanent residents, e.g. those on the lower Great Lakes, on the east coast of North America or at the North Sea shores. Herring Gulls are also abundant around inland garbage dumps, and some have even adapted to life in inland cities.

'''Diet:''' Scavenge on rubbish tips and elsewhere, as well as seeking suitable small prey in fields, on the coast or in urban areas, or robbing plovers or lapwings of their catches. Despite their name, they have no special preference for herrings.

'''Diet:''' Scavenge on rubbish tips and elsewhere, as well as seeking suitable small prey in fields, on the coast or in urban areas, or robbing plovers or lapwings of their catches. Despite their name, they have no special preference for herrings.

'''Nesting:''' Two to four eggs, usually three, are laid on the ground or cliff ledges in colonies, and are defended vigorously by this large gull. The eggs are a dark blotched, olive color. They are incubated for 28-30 days.

'''Nesting:''' Two to four eggs, usually three, are laid on the ground or cliff ledges in colonies, and are defended vigorously by this large gull. The eggs are a dark blotched, olive color. They are incubated for 28-30 days.

Like most gulls, Herring Gulls are long lived, with a maximum age of 49 years recorded.

Like most gulls, Herring Gulls are long lived, with a maximum age of 49 years recorded.

Unlike many flocking birds, Herring Gulls do not engage in social grooming and keep physical contact between individuals to a minimum. Outside of the male/female and parent/chick relationship, each Herring Gull attempts to maintain a respectful 'safe distance' from others of its kind. Any breach of this results in fighting, though severe injuries are seldom inflicted.

Unlike many flocking birds, Herring Gulls do not engage in social grooming and keep physical contact between individuals to a minimum. Outside of the male/female and parent/chick relationship, each Herring Gull attempts to maintain a respectful 'safe distance' from others of its kind. Any breach of this results in fighting, though severe injuries are seldom inflicted.