European Herring Gull

Herring gulls are large northern gulls with white heads and underparts, pale-gray backs, black-tipped wings and yellow bills marked by a red spot. They occur across Eurasia and North America, usually near coasts or large inland waters. Offshore islands, cliffs and vegetated ground provide nesting habitat, while beaches, intertidal areas, lakes and cities offer feeding opportunities. Young birds require several years to acquire the clean gray-and-white adult plumage. (Animal Diversity Web)

These adaptable gulls consume fish, marine invertebrates, insects, earthworms, eggs, carrion and discarded human food. Most pairs maintain long-term monogamous bonds and defend nesting territories within colonies. Both adults incubate the eggs, guard the chicks and deliver regurgitated food. Chicks can leave the immediate nest shortly after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for many weeks, continuing to receive food after they become capable of flight. (Animal Diversity Web)