Skip to content
Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CXXII
Field-journal plate: Common Gull
The Common Gull plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CXXII

Common Gull

Larus canus

Laridae · Taxon 4356

Length40–46 cm
Wingspan100–115 cm
Weight290–552 g

Field marks

  1. Small, slender gull with a rounded head and long wings
  2. White head and underparts; light brown head streaking in nonbreeding plumage
  3. Medium-gray back and upperwings
  4. Short, tapered greenish-yellow bill, sometimes with a dusky winter smudge
  5. Dark eye and slender, dull yellow-green legs
  6. Black wingtips with bold white spots; otherwise white tail

HabitatBreeds around wetlands, marshes, meadows, beaches, and other sites near water; winters along coasts and other waterside habitats, often also feeding in fields.

BehaviorAn opportunistic omnivore that swims, dips for aquatic prey, scavenges, and forages on the ground for worms and insects. Often nests colonially and is mainly migratory.

Palette

clean whitepearl graycharcoal blackyellow-greensoft brown