Glaucous Gull

🔍 Overview

A large Arctic gull that appears along the Sussex coast in small numbers during late winter.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Very large and bulky; pale grey back

Adults: white wing tips (no black)

Juveniles: uniformly pale biscuit-brown with pale bill base

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Most often seen at harbours and landfill sites like Shoreham, Newhaven, or Brighton Marina, especially Jan–March. Also seen following fishing boats.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Similar in sound to Herring Gull but deeper. Often lumbers in flight and dominates smaller gulls.