Common Gull
Larus canus
Length 41cm

Despite name, generally not our most numerous gull. Recalls small version of herring gull, adult having grey back and upperwings with body plumage. Otherwise white, although in winter back of head and nape have dark streaks. In flight, black wingtips show white spots. Legs greenish yellow and bill yellow in summer but duller in winter with dark band near tip. First winter bird has bands of grey, brown and black on upperwings. Breeds mainly in N Scotland and N Ireland, mostly on the coast but sometimes inland beside freshwater. In winter, widespread around most coasts and also feeds inland, sometimes following ploughs with black-headed gulls; outside breeding season, resident British birds joined by influx of migrants from N Europe. Calls include a nasal heeow.