Yellow-legged Gull

The Yellow-legged Gull is a large, strong bird known for its bright yellow legs and feet at all stages of its life. Adult birds have pale grey feathers on their backs, which are darker than those of the Herring Gull but lighter than the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Their wingtips are black with white spots. The bill is yellow and has a noticeable red spot on the lower part. When flying, their wings look quite long and pointed. This gull mainly lives around the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. In recent years, it has spread further north and now breeds in small numbers along the English Channel. It is often found near the coast, in harbours, and increasingly in towns and cities, but it is less common inland compared to the Herring Gull. Young birds have brownish feathers and take about four years to develop the adult colours. Their legs change colour from a pink-grey to yellow during this time. The call of the Yellow-legged Gull is deeper and more nasal than that of the Herring Gull.