Gulls are a group of aquatic birds that are found throughout the world. They are closely related to other seabirds, such as terns and skimmers, and share many physical traits.
Gulls can be identified by their white-and-gray feathers, webbed feet, and long, pointed wings. They are usually found near large bodies of water and are known for their scavenging habits.
Gulls are often considered pests and are disliked by fishermen, but they are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
1. European herring gull
The European herring gull is one of the most recognizable birds, easily spotted along the shorelines of Western Europe.
It has a wingspan up to 66 cm long and can be found nesting across Northern Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
During colder months many European herring gulls migrate further south in search for warmer temperatures which allows them to survive better during wintertime.
As scavengers they often take advantage of human debris or waste as food sources near populated areas such as beaches, parks and cities; however their diet also consists on fish, insects and other small animals that live nearby coastal regions.
Despite being common in some parts of its range this species may have experienced population declines due to habitat loss caused by human activities like urbanization but still remains abundant in others thanks to conservation efforts implemented over time by local authorities all around the world.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. argentatus |
2. Common gull
The Common Gull, also known as the Sea Mew, is a medium-sized bird native to northern Europe. It's closely related to the Short-Billed Gull and both species are sometimes referred to collectively as "Mew Gull".
During winter months many Common Gulls migrate further south in search of warmer climates.
The exact origin of its vernacular name remains uncertain but it may have something to do with its call which resembles that of a cat meowing.
Its plumage consists mostly of grey and white feathers along with black wingtips making it easily identifiable amongst other gull species.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. canus |
3. Ring-billed gull
The Ring-billed Gull is a medium sized seabird that can be seen throughout North America. Its head, neck and underparts are white while its back and wings are silver gray in color.
It has a relatively short yellow bill with a dark ring around it, as well as yellow legs.
The genus name for this species of gull comes from the Latin word ‘Larus’ which referred to large sea birds or gulls; while the specific delawarensis refers to the Delaware River where these birds were first discovered.
These beautiful creatures thrive near coasts, lakeshores and other bodies of water but also have been known to inhabit urban areas such as parks close by those watersides due to their adaptability towards human habitats.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. delawarensis |
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4. Great black-backed gull
The Great Black-Backed Gull is the largest member of its family and aptly named as "king of the Atlantic waterfront".
It can be found on both European and North American coasts, islands in the North Atlantic, or farther inland near large lakes.
This seabird is an aggressive hunter with a tendency to scavenge for food that it may not have caught itself.
In addition to their formidable hunting skills they are also adept at stealing from other birds who have successfully managed to catch something themselves.
As such they are known for being very territorial when defending their nests during mating season.
The powerful wingspan of this majestic species make them able to soar through even strong winds but still remain graceful while doing so.
All these characteristics combined show why great black-backed gulls truly live up to their name as kings among seafaring birds.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. marinus |
5. Lesser black-backed gull
The lesser black-backed gull is a large, migratory bird found along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.
During winter months they are commonly spotted along the British Isles to West Africa while in summer many birds can be seen year-round on both east and west coastlines.
In recent years numbers of these birds have risen dramatically with some winters having great abundances present throughout their range.
They measure around 48cm long with wingspans reaching up to 110 cm across when fully grown - making them larger than most other common gull species.
These hardy seabirds feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans, molluscs as well as carrion or scraps from human activities that occur near coastal areas such as fishing ports or refuse dumpsites.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. fuscus |
6. Black-headed gull
The Black-headed Gull is a small, migratory bird found in much of the Palearctic. It breeds mainly in Europe and coastal eastern Canada but can also be found further west in milder areas.
In North America it's known as the Common Black-headed Gull.
Its plumage consists of grey on top with white underneath, while its head has a distinctive black cap during breeding season which fades to brown outside of this period.
They are often seen by coastlines or near inland waters where they feed off fish, insects and crustaceans caught either from the surface or underwater depending on their preference at that time.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
7. Laughing gull
The Laughing Gull is a medium-sized bird with gray wings, black head and white underparts. It has bright red legs and bill which make it easily distinguishable from other gulls.
The name comes from its unique laughing call which can be heard in coastal areas throughout the Americas where they breed. They are opportunistic omnivores that feed on fish, carrion, insects or even garbage when available.
During breeding season these birds form large colonies along the Atlantic coast of North America as well as parts of northern South America and Caribbean islands.
There are two subspecies; L megalopturus found in Canada to Central America while L atricilla inhabits rest of their range..
These species have become more common inland due to human settlement near coasts creating ideal habitat for them but also making them scavengers around urban areas.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. atricilla |
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8. California gull
The California Gull is a medium-sized bird, smaller than the herring gull but larger than the ring-billed gull. It has a yellow bill with black ring and yellow legs.
Its head is rounder compared to other gulls and its body mainly white in color with grey back and wings.
They are mostly found around lakes, rivers or coasts of western North America where there is plenty of food available for them such as fish, insects and crustaceans which they consume on their daily diet.
During breeding season these birds form large colonies near water bodies or wetlands where they also make their nests using grasses sticks or feathers.
As omnivores they play an important role in maintaining balance within local ecosystems by eating both plants material like seeds & fruits as well as small mammals like rodents.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
9. Bonaparte's gull
Bonaparte's gull is a small species of gull usually found in northern North America. It measures 28 to 38 cm (11 to 15 inches) long and has mainly white plumage with grey upperparts.
During breeding season, it develops a slaty-black hood on its head. Both male and female Bonaparte's gulls look alike; they are not sexually dimorphic like some other birds.
This bird was first described by George Ord in 1818, although Native Americans had likely been familiar with the bird for much longer than that.
Its scientific name Chroicocephalus philadelphia means "grey headed Philadelphia" due to its resemblance to the city's official bird - the American Bald Eagle.
The bonaparte’s Gull is an active hunter which feeds mostly on insects and invertebrates as well as fish eggs or larvae when available.
Despite their size, these birds can often be seen flying far away from shorelines over open water looking for food.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. philadelphia |
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10. Black-legged kittiwake
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a seabird of the gull family Laridae. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and its name derives from its distinctive call which sounds like 'kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake'.
These birds are mainly found along coastal regions with plenty of food sources such as plankton and fish. They have white bodies with slate grey wings and black legs.
The bill is yellowish orange to red depending on age or season.
In winter they migrate southwards away from their northern habitats into warmer waters for breeding purposes before returning again once spring arrives.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Rissa |
| Species | R. tridactyla |
11. Common tern
The Common Tern is a seabird in the Laridae family, found all over Europe, Asia and North America. It has a migratory nature, spending its winters in coastal tropical and subtropical regions.
Breeding adults have light grey upperparts with white to very light grey underparts featuring an orange-red beak and black cap.
They are known for their graceful flight as they hunt small fish or insects by diving into water from great heights.
During breeding season they build nests together on islands or sandbars using grasses and other materials to create them.
The female will lay two eggs which she incubates while her mate stands guard nearby; both parents take turns feeding the chicks until it's time for them fly away.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. hirundo |
12. Western gull
The Western Gull is a majestic seabird found on the West Coast of North America, ranging from British Columbia to Baja California. It has a large white head and stands between 22-27 inches in size.
Its upper parts are gray while its underparts range from brownish grey to white depending on age or sex of the bird.
The most distinguishing feature is its yellow feet which set it apart from other gulls in the area such as Larus livens.
These birds feed by scavenging for food including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and even carrion when available.
They also nest near ocean shores with their eggs hatching anywhere within 28 days after being laid. A beautiful sight to behold at any beach; these birds will surely captivate you with their grandeur.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. occidentalis |
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13. Glaucous-winged gull
The Glaucous-winged Gull is a large white-headed bird that belongs to the Larus genus. It has grey wings, which gives it its name - glaucescens - derived from Ancient Greek and describing this coloration.
This species of gull prefers coastal areas, rarely venturing far away from the ocean's waters. As such, they can be found in western Canada, Alaska and parts of northern Asia down through Japan into Mexico.
The Glaucous-winged Gulls are often seen scavenging for food around beaches or fishing boats as well as nesting on islands off British Columbia during summer months.
They have adapted very well to urban environments too; their intelligent nature making them quick learners when dealing with humans.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. glaucescens |
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14. American herring gull
The American herring gull is a majestic bird that can be found in North America. It has a white body with grey wings and back, black wingtips dotted with white spots and pink legs.
Immature birds are darker than the adults, usually being a gray-brown colouring.
This species of seagull lives mainly on coasts or near large bodies of water where it feeds on fish, crustaceans and other marine life as well as garbage when available.
During the nesting season they make their nests high up in trees to help protect them from predators like foxes or raccoons who may try to steal eggs or chicks from them.
They have excellent vision which helps them spot prey even at long distances while flying over vast stretches of ocean searching for food sources to sustain themselves year round.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. smithsonianus |
15. Iceland gull
The Iceland Gull is a medium-sized, Arctic-dwelling gull whose range includes Canada and Greenland, but not its namesake.
Its gray wings are marked with black primaries and white tips on the inner secondary feathers which distinguishes it from other similar species like Larus hyperboreus which has completely white secondaries.
It feeds mainly by scavenging or kleptoparasitism - stealing food from other birds - as well as actively pursuing smaller prey such as crustaceans and insects in shallow waters near shorelines.
When breeding season arrives they nest atop rocky outcrops found along coastal areas to provide adequate protection against predators while also giving them an unobstructed view of their surroundings for when danger approaches.
The Iceland Gull can be seen during winter months visiting places like Iceland where temperatures remain more hospitable than its native habitat further north despite the cold weather.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. glaucoides |
16. Glaucous gull
The Glaucous Gull is a majestic species of bird which can be found in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
It has an impressive wingspan, being one of the largest gulls in existence and second only to The Great Black-Backed Gull.
During winter months they migrate southwards towards coasts along Holarctic shores where their presence is seen as far down as South Africa.
Their genus name 'Larus', from Latin origins, likely refers to some kind of seabird while its specific name 'hyperboreus' derives from Greek for "northern", referencing Ancient Greeks who lived near what became known as North Pole.
This stunning avian species makes them an unforgettable sight on any journey northward or through coastal areas throughout much of Europe and Asia.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. hyperboreus |
17. Little gull
The Little Gull is a small species of gull that can be found breeding in Northern Europe, across the Palearctic and even some parts of Southern Canada. It has a Latin name 'Hydrocoloeus minutus' which translates to 'water bird with webbed feet'.
This migratory bird winters along coastlines in western Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa. Having grey wings tipped with black spots & white head & underparts this species stands out among other birds.
They also have yellow bills and red legs making them easily recognizable by experienced ornithologists all over the world.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Hydrocoloeus Kaup, 1829 |
| Species | H. minutus |
18. Franklin's gull
Franklin's gull is a small species of seagull that breeds in the central provinces of Canada and certain states in the north of the United States. During winter, they migrate to Argentina, Caribbean islands and other parts further south.
The Franklin’s Gull has an average length between 32-36 cm with white head plumage and darker grey wings.
Its genus name Leucophaeus derives from Ancient Greek leukos meaning ‘white’ and phaios for ‘dusky’ while its specific pipixcan comes from a Nahuatl word for 'gull'.
In addition to their striking appearance, these birds are also known for their distinct call which sounds like laughing or crying.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. pipixcan |
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19. Heermann's gull
Heermann's gull is a type of seabird found in the United States, Mexico and British Columbia. It nests on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California and can be seen near shores or out at sea, though rarely inland.
Named after Adolphus Lewis Heermann, a nineteenth-century explorer and naturalist, this species looks quite different from other gulls due to its brownish colouring with white spots around the wings.
It has bright yellow legs as well as red eyes circled by an orange ring - features that make it easily identifiable among bird watchers.
Their diet consists mainly of fish but they will also eat insects, crustaceans and molluscs if necessary.
Although not considered endangered yet their numbers have been decreasing over time so conservation efforts are imperative for these beautiful birds.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. heermanni |
20. Forster's tern
Forster's tern is a bird of the family Laridae, named after naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster. It mainly breeds in North America and winters south to Central America, though it can also be found rarely but annually in western Europe.
This species has even been documented wintering as far north as Ireland and Great Britain.
The genus name Sterna comes from Old English "stearn", meaning “tern”.
These birds generally have grey upperparts with white underparts and black heads with a small crest at its forehead that gives it an elegant look when flying around looking for food by diving into the water.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. forsteri |
21. Black tern
The black tern is a small, yet distinctive bird found in or near inland water habitats throughout Europe, Western Asia and North America.
Its plumage appears darkly coloured from a distance but can shine with an iridescent blue hue up close when breeding season arrives.
It's name is believed to come from Old English words 'blue darr' which references the colour of its feathers in certain lights.
The genus name Chlidonias derives from Greek meaning ‘swallow-like’ due to its similar appearance and behaviour to these birds while fishing for food over shallow waters.
An interesting species, it has made appearances in artwork dating back centuries as well as more recently inspiring music compositions.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chlidonias |
| Species | C. niger |
22. Pacific gull
The Pacific gull is a majestic species of bird, native to the coasts of Australia. It stands out among other birds due to its size; it's much larger than the ubiquitous silver gull and can reach up to 70cm when fully grown.
Unfortunately, this magnificent species has become scarce in some areas of south-east Australia as a result of competition from kelp gulls that were introduced during the 1940s.
Despite their decline in certain areas, these amazing creatures are still moderately common between Carnarvon and Sydney.
With white plumage on top, grey wings and black legs they make for quite an impressive sight.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. pacificus |
23. Yellow-legged gull
The Yellow-legged Gull is a large bird found mainly in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
It was previously considered to be either a subspecies of the Caspian gull or Herring Gull but has recently been identified as its own species.
The name Larus comes from Latin and likely refers to seabirds in general.
This species has yellow legs, white head with dark eyespots on each side, gray wings with black tips and pinkish legs.
They have curved bills that are yellow at the base which turn red near the tip during breeding season.
These birds feed mainly on fish but also scavenge for food when necessary such as insects, crustaceans etc.. The Yellow-legged Gull can often be seen along coastlines soaring high above fishing boats searching for their next meal.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. michahellis |
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24. Sabine's gull
Sabine's gull is a small, fork-tailed seabird found in coastal areas and tundra. It nests on the ground, laying two to three spotted olive-brown eggs which are lined with grass for insulation.
Outside of breeding season it lives an almost entirely pelagic life where its main diet consists of animal matter such as fish and insects.
Sabine's gulls also scavenge carrion when available; they often form large flocks at food sources including fishing boats or garbage dumps.
Its distinctive black head pattern along with white wings make identification easy even from afar away - this species stands out amongst other sea birds.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Xema Leach, 1819 |
| Species | X. sabini |
25. Grey gull
The Grey Gull is a medium-sized gull native to South America, breeding in the dry Atacama Desert of northern Chile. It stands out amongst other gulls as it prefers inland areas instead of coastal regions.
Both males and females have similar grey plumage with adults measuring 45 cm long and weighing around 300 gms.
They feed on small fish, crustaceans and insects near lakes or rivers but also scavenge for food along beaches when available.
Their presence has been reported from Peru to Uruguay although they are most common in Chile's central coast area where large flocks can be seen during winter months when individuals migrate southwards looking for better feeding grounds.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. modestus |
26. Mediterranean gull
The Mediterranean gull is a small and elegant species of seagull. It has blackish-brown upperparts, white underparts and head with dark hood in breeding season.
Its scientific name comes from Ancient Greek words 'ikhthus' meaning "fish" and 'aetos' meaning "eagle". The specific melanocephalus refers to its black head during the nesting period.
This bird mainly breeds in the Western Palearctic region, especially around the Black Sea and Central Turkey as well as other countries bordering on Mediterrannean sea.
The diet consists mainly of insects, fish or mollusk caught at landfills or near coasts by swooping down onto water surface for catching preys like any other gulls do.
With its unique colour patterns, it can be easily spotted among other birds when flying over beaches or coasts along Mediterranean area.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Ichthyaetus |
| Species | I. melanocephalus |
27. Least Tern
The Least Tern is a species of tern native to North America and northern South America. It has many close relatives, such as the yellow-billed tern and Peruvian tern from South America, or the little tern from the Old World.
The bird measures 8.7 - 9.4 inches in length with a wingspan of 16–18 inches acrosss, making it an intermediate size between most other species of birds within its family groupings.
Its feathers are usually gray on top with white underneath and typically have darker accents near their heads along with bright red bills for feeding during summer months when they mate upon beaches found throughout these regions mentioned above.
They feed mainly on small fish that live at shallow depths near shorelines where they also nest nearby due to migratory patterns which take place annually each year.
Hence why this particular bird does not travel far distances away from areas known as home for them over long periods of time like some other types do.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sternula |
| Species | S. antillarum |
28. Royal tern
The Royal Tern is a beautiful seabird, endemic to the Americas. It has been spotted as far away as Europe on rare occasions though.
The species was first described by Georges-Louis Leclerc in 1781 from a specimen found in French Guiana and later illustrated with hand-coloured plates.
These birds have elaborate courtship displays that involve loud vocalizations and energetic aerial acrobatics.
They typically mate for life, nesting together near marshes or beaches each season close to their food source of fish and other small aquatic creatures. Their white plumage brightens up coastlines across America - they are truly majestic.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. maximus |
29. Thayer's gull
Thayer's gull is a large, majestic bird native to North America. It breeds in the Arctic islands of Canada, and winters primarily on the Pacific coast from southern Alaska to Gulf of California.
There are also wintering populations found on Great Lakes and upper Mississippi River as well as Japan, where it has been recorded as a vagrant species.
This subspecies of Iceland Gull stands out with its slate gray mantle, white head and neck with black spots near bill base along pale yellow eyes surrounded by dark red eye-ring; while wings show alternating light grey inner webs and darker outer ones tipped in blackish coloration.
Thayer's gulls feed mostly on fish but they can also be seen scavenging for food around dumpsters or catching insects midair when migrating during summer months.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. glaucoides |
| Subspecies | L. g. thayeri |
30. Kelp gull
The Kelp Gull is a majestic bird that can be found on coasts and islands of the Southern Hemisphere. It has a beautiful plumage consisting of black, white and grey feathers with brown eyes.
Its wingspan ranges between 91-122 cm (36 - 48 inches). The nominate L. d. dominicanus subspecies is most commonly seen around South America, parts of Australia, and New Zealand where it goes by the name "black-backed gull" or "mollyhawk".
These birds are omnivorous but tend to prefer fish as their primary food source while they also scavenge carrion when necessary.
In order to stand out from other seagulls during mating season they display vibrant courtship rituals which involve flying high in circles over its nesting area flapping their wings dramatically before diving down into the water near potential mates.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. dominicanus |
31. Northern fulmar
The Northern Fulmar is a seabird that resides in the subarctic regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. It has one distinctive color morph: white head and body, along with gray wings.
This bird had been seen only once in Southern Hemisphere south from New Zealand due to its habitat preferences.
Its diet includes fish eggs, crustaceans, small squid and other marine animals which they consume while flying over water surface or when swimming on sea's top layer looking for food.
The Fulmar also scavenges carrion, especially during breeding season as their chicks need more nutrition than adult birds do.
They are highly abundant species so no conservation measures have been taken yet but monitoring them helps us understand population dynamics better.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Fulmarus |
| Species | F. glacialis |
32. Slaty-backed gull
The Slaty-backed Gull is a large, white-headed seabird that has adapted to live along the coasts of Eastern Palearctic. During nonbreeding seasons it travels widely in search of food and can often be found around coastal areas, islands and even estuaries.
It is similar to other gull species such as Western Gulls and Glaucous Winged Gulls due to its almost identical size and plumage coloration but differs by having darker grey upper wings with black wing tips instead.
Its alternate name "Pacific Gull" refers only to this particular species rather than any others which share the same common name.
These birds feed mainly on fish, mollusks or small invertebrates they find near the shoreline making them an important part of their local ecosystems helping keep populations of these prey items under control while also providing sustenance for humans through fishing activities targeting these creatures too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. schistisagus |
33. Armenian gull
The Armenian gull is a large species of seabird found in the Caucasus and Middle East. It was previously classified as a subspecies of the European herring gull, but has now been recognised as its own separate species by BirdLife International.
On average, it measures around 48-56 cm long with an impressive wingspan up to 130cm wide. This bird typically has light grey upperparts, white underparts and black legs contrasted with yellow feet.
One interesting feature are its reddish eyes which makes them easily identifiable from other similar looking birds such as Yellow Legged Gulls or Herring Gulls.
They feed mainly on insects, fish and molluscs near coastal areas or inland wetlands during their breeding season between April - August each year when they lay 2-3 eggs in nests made out of sticks & twigs lined with grasses & feathers for insulation against extreme weather conditions.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. armenicus |
34. Black-tailed gull
The black-tailed gull is a medium sized bird native to the shorelines of East Asia. It has yellow legs and a red and black spot at the end of its bill, distinguishing it from other species in the area.
Males are larger than females but both have identical features otherwise; males measuring 46 cm tall with wingspans between 126 - 128 cm wide, while females typically measure smaller than this.
This type of gull takes four years to reach full maturity when they become white headed adults for breeding season which occurs annually in May or June.
They usually lay two eggs during that time and can be seen flying around coasts all over East Asia even outside their mating period.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. crassirostris |
Also Featured In: Birds of Hyōgo,
35. Belcher's gull
Belcher's gull is a medium-sized bird found on the Pacific coast of South America. It has a blackish mantle, white head and underparts with grey wings and tail.
Its distinctive banded tail gives it its other name - Band-tailed Gull. Belcher's Gulls usually feed by scavenging or stealing food from other birds but they will also take small fish or invertebrates when available.
They breed in large colonies where their loud calls often drown out all others nearby. Their numbers have been decreasing due to habitat loss so conservation plans are now being implemented for these beautiful creatures.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. belcheri |
36. Ivory gull
The Ivory Gull is a small, Arctic-dwelling species of gull that has a circumpolar distribution. It was first documented in 1773 by Constantine Phipps during an expedition to Spitsbergen and was later classified as Larus eburneus.
This beautiful bird is snow white with white primaries, dark eyes, and pink legs and feet which helps it blend into its icy environment perfectly.
Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans, mollusks, fish eggs & larvae making it somewhat dependent on other organisms for food sources - although they have been known to scavenge carcasses too.
They usually nest close together near the coastlines or islands of the North Pole regions but can also be found further south during winter months when temperatures are colder.
They are considered threatened due to their limited range habitat destruction caused by climate change
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Pagophila Kaup, 1829 |
| Species | P. eburnea |
37. Yellow-footed gull
The Yellow-footed Gull is a large seabird endemic to the Gulf of California. It has a white head, dark slate colored wings and back, and a thick yellow bill with yellow legs (pink in young birds).
In appearance it is quite similar to its relative the Western Gull but was classified as a separate species until around 1960.
This bird feeds mainly on small fish found near shorelines which it catches by diving into shallow waters from heights up to 20m above sea level.
As well as being an efficient hunter they are also renowned scavengers that feed at dumps or follow fishing boats for scraps.
They have even been seen eating jellyfish. A range of conservation measures including protection given under Mexican law means this beautiful bird can be enjoyed long into the future.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. livens |
38. Caspian gull
The Caspian gull is a large species of seabird found in the herring and lesser black-backed gull complex. It has a Latin name, Larus cachinnans, which translates to ‘laughing’ from its habit of making loud noises when interacting with other birds.
It measures 56–68 cm long and has an impressive wingspan ranging from 137 to 155 cm wide. Its body mass can range between 680–1 kg depending on its age and gender.
This bird generally lives near coastlines as it feeds mainly off fish caught in shallow waters or scavenged food sources such as garbage dumps; however it will also inhabit freshwater areas during breeding season for protection against predators.
All these features make the Caspian Gull one beautiful yet powerful seabird.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. cachinnans |
39. Black-billed Gull
The Black-billed Gull, or Buller's Gull, is a species of seabird found only in New Zealand. It has been classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources due to its small population size.
The gulls evolved from their ancestors who migrated from Australia around 250 000 years ago. Initially named "Gavia pomare" by Carl Friedrich Bruch in 1855, Sir Walter Lawry Buller renamed it Chroicocephalus bulleri after himself.
This medium-sized seabird has black legs and feet with greenish yellow eyes that contrast against its predominantly brown plumage.
During breeding season they can be seen gathering on rocky islands near coasts throughout New Zealand where they nest amongst vegetation made up mostly of tussock grasses.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. bulleri |
40. Red-billed gull
The Red-billed gull is a bird native to New Zealand, found in most parts of the country and even on its outlying islands.
It was once considered as a separate species but now it's usually classified under the silver gull subspecies (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus).
These birds are medium sized with grayish white feathers on their upper bodies and black wings which have red bills that give them their name. They feed mainly on fish, aquatic invertebrates, small mollusks and other sea creatures.
The population has declined over time due to several factors such as habitat destruction, hunting for food or sport by humans and introduced mammalian predators like cats and rats consuming eggs from nests built near human settlements.
Conservation efforts must be taken to protect these beautiful animals so future generations can enjoy watching them soar around New Zealand skies.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. novaehollandiae |
| Subspecies | C. n. scopulinus |
41. Grey-headed gull
The Grey-headed Gull is a small species of gull that breeds patchily in South America and Africa south of the Sahara.
It has grey feathers on its head and wings, while its body is white with some brown spots near the tail.
This bird can be seen around coasts or inland lakes during winter times when it becomes more widespread.
Although not truly migratory, there have been rare cases where this species was recorded as a vagrant to North America, Italy and Spain.
The diet of these birds consists mainly of fish but also invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans and insects.
They usually forage alone or in pairs along shorelines looking for food items by probing mudflats or even stealing from other birds at times.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. cirrocephalus |
42. Vega gull
The Vega gull is a large bird of the herring gull/lesser black-backed species complex found in Northeast Asia.
Its classification is still uncertain, with some considering it to be its own species or a subspecies of the American herring gull.
This majestic bird has white feathers on its head and upper body, gray wings and tail feathers and yellow legs.
It feeds mainly on fish but also eats worms, crustaceans and insects as well as scavenging for scraps left by humans near coasts or landfill sites.
The exceptional flying ability of this beautiful creature makes them an impressive sight when gliding across skies looking for food.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. vegae |
43. Brown-headed Gull
The Brown-headed Gull is a small species of gull that breeds in the high plateaus of Central Asia, from Tajikistan to Inner Mongolia.
During winter it migrates southward and can be seen along coastal areas and large inland lakes throughout the Indian Subcontinent.
They usually breed in colonies within reedbeds or marshes, constructing nests out of sticks on top of trees or among tall vegetation.
These birds have brown heads while their bodies are white with black wing tips; they also feature bright yellow eyes which give them an intense yet endearing look.
Their diet consists mainly fish but they’ll also consume insects, molluscs, crustaceans as well as other invertebrates and even plant matter during seasons when food is scarce.
Despite their shy nature towards humans these amazing birds make for wonderful wildlife watching opportunities.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. brunnicephalus |
44. Slender-billed gull
The Slender-billed Gull is a medium sized, migratory bird. It breeds in coastal lagoons and islands around the Mediterranean Sea and North Indian Ocean regions such as Pakistan.
During winter it travels further south to areas like Africa and India, but some individuals have been known to wander off towards western Europe too.
Its long slender bill gives this species its name; an unmistakable feature for identifying these birds among other gulls.
They are generally greyish-brown or white with black wingtips when seen from afar; although up close you can also make out their yellow legs and beak which contrasts nicely against its colouration.
Despite being classified as Least Concern by IUCN they still suffer threats of habitat destruction due to development projects that target their nesting sites along coastlines.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. genei |
45. Saunders's gull
Saunders's gull (Chroicocephalus saundersi) is a species of seagull native to Asia. It can be found in China, Hong Kong, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Macau, Russia and Vietnam.
This bird inhabits estuarine waters and intertidal marshes near shorelines as its natural habitat. Its most distinguishing feature is the black head with white spots which give it an overall grayish-black appearance when mature; juveniles have brown heads instead.
The Saunders's gull has long wings which help them fly swiftly above water while searching for food such as fish or small crustaceans that they catch by diving into the sea from high up in the sky.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. saundersi |
46. Dolphin gull
The Dolphin Gull is a medium-sized gull native to southern Chile, Argentina and the Falkland Islands. It has greyish feathers with darker wings, a yellow bill and legs of varying lengths - depending on its age.
They inhabit rocky, muddy and sandy shores near seabird colonies where they search for food such as fish, crabs or other aquatic creatures.
The adults are particularly good swimmers who can dive underwater in pursuit of their prey; whereas the young birds prefer scavenging from shoreline garbage dumps.
Dolphins Gulls form large breeding colonies during which time both males and females take part in elaborate courtship rituals to attract mates followed by nesting activities like incubating eggs together before raising chicks together too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. scoresbii |
Also Featured In: Common Birds that Live around Ushuaia,
47. Arctic tern
The Arctic tern is an incredible bird that displays a truly remarkable migratory behavior.
It breeds in the northern regions of Europe, Asia and North America during summer before undertaking its migration along a convoluted route to reach the Antarctic for winter.
This species has adapted extremely well to its environment – it can fly very long distances while navigating with ease thanks to their excellent eyesight.
Furthermore, they are able to survive in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
The Arctic Tern is also known for being one of the longest living birds on Earth; some have been recorded living up to 30 years old.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. paradisaea |
48. Hartlaub's gull
Hartlaub's gull, also known as the king gull, is a small species of seagull found in parts of Africa and Asia. It was once thought to be subspecies of silver gull but has since been placed within its own genus Chroicocephalus.
The bird was named after German zoologist and physician Gustav Hartlaub who first described it in 1857.
This species usually have grey-brown upperparts with a yellow bill that appears black at times due to the amount darkness on their plumage.
They mainly feed on fish, crustaceans and insects which they hunt from rocky shores or mudflats near coasts or estuaries.
These birds often form flocks when foraging for food making them highly visible by shoreline visitors especially during summer months when they breed along coastal areas throughout their range annually laying 2–3 eggs at each nest site built atop cliffs or ledges either alone or amongst other nesting sea birds such as cormorants and terns.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. hartlaubii |
49. Silver gull
The Silver Gull is a common sight in Australia, especially along the coastlines. It's smaller than the Pacific Gull and has silver-grey wings with white head and underparts.
Its scientific name is Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae, but it shouldn't be confused with the Herring Gull which is also called "Silver Gull" in many other languages (Larus argentatus).
During summer months these birds can often be seen around fishing boats scavenging for discarded food or flying low over city parks looking for handouts from humans.
They are highly adaptable to their environment making them quite successful at coexisting near human populations.
These Australian seabirds have been known to live up to 25 years old.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. novaehollandiae |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live around Brisbane, Silver Birds You Should Know
50. Audouin's gull
Audouin's gull is a species of large seagull that can be found in the Mediterranean and along the western coast of Africa and Iberia.
The genus name comes from Ancient Greek, ikhthus meaning fish, and aetos meaning eagle; while its specific name was derived from French naturalist Jean Victoire Audouin.
This bird typically breeds on small islands either alone or as part of colonies, laying 2-3 eggs per nest. It has an overall white plumage with dark grey wings which are tipped with black markings near the primary feathers.
Its head is also mainly white but features two broad black stripes above each eye extending to behind their neck giving them an unmistakable appearance.
They have red legs and feet which they use to feed by swooping down into shallow water for food such as mollusks or crustaceans.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Ichthyaetus |
| Species | I. audouinii |
51. Swallow-tailed gull
The Swallow-tailed Gull is a large, seabird found exclusively around tropical areas. It has a distinct hooked bill and white feathers with black tips on its wings and tail.
This bird's scientific name comes from Latin and Greek words meaning "butcher", referencing the shape of its bill which could be used to hook meat or fish.
Its only species in the genus Creagrus, making it an isolated figure amongst other gulls.
They typically live alone but can sometimes gather in flocks near food sources like squid eggs or garbage dumps close to shorelines where they scavenge for food during low tide when exposed prey becomes accessible.
These birds are often seen soaring above coasts due to their unique ability for sustained gliding flight over long distances.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Creagrus Bonaparte, 1854 |
| Species | C. furcatus |