Latin name

Larus canus

It looks like a small, gentler version of the herring gull, with greenish legs and a yellow bill. Despite its name, it is not at all common in some inland areas, though often abundant on the coast and in some eastern counties. They are now seen more often in towns and on housing estates in winter.

Where to see them

In summer look along coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, N Ireland and N England. Elsewhere in England and Wales seen in winter on farmland, near lakes and marshes and on the coast.

© 2007 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SCO 37654