Herring Gull

🔍 Overview

A large and familiar gull, breeding on Sussex coast and present year-round on coastal and inland water bodies.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Large (55–66 cm)

Plumage: Light grey back, white body

Distinctive Marks: Pink legs, yellow bill with red spot

Bill: Long and robust

Tail: Square

Flight: Powerful, gliding

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Found at coastal towns, harbours, landfills, reservoirs .

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Harsh “ka-aar” call. Scavenger—often aggressive. Nested on roofs in Brighton, Hastings.

🍴 Diet

Fish, carrion, scraps, invertebrates.

📸 Birding Tip

Look for the red bill spot and leg colour to differentiate from lesser black-backed gulls.