Gull

Pagophila

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Larus

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Rissa

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Creagus

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Xema

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Rhodostethia

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Gulls are seabirds in the family Laridae. They are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae), and more distantly to the waders, auks and skimmers. Most gulls belong to the large genus Larus.

Related Topics:
Seabird - Tern - Wader - Auk - Skimmer - Genus

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They are in general medium to large birds, typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet.

Related Topics:
Bird - Bill

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Most gulls, particularly Larus species, are ground nesting omnivores, which will take live food or scavenge opportunistically. The live food often includes crabs and small fish.

Related Topics:
Omnivore - Crab

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Apart from the kittiwakes, gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea. The large species take up to four years to attain full adult plumage, but two years is typical for small gulls.

Related Topics:
Kittiwake - Plumage

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Two terms are in common usage among gull enthusiasts for subgroupings of the gulls:

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• Large white-headed gulls for the Herring Gull and similar species (these are indicated by LWHG in the list below
• White-winged gulls for the two Arctic-breeding species Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull

Hybridisation between species of gull occurs quite frequently, although to varying degrees depending on the species involved - see Hybridisation in gulls.

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The taxonomy of the large white-headed gulls is particularly complicated.

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Gull: Species list ►