The Herring Gull, Larus argentatus, or commonly known as “seagulls,” is found across most of Eurasia and North America, especially in coastal areas. The name Larus argentatus Translates to large silver seabird in english. Herring gulls usually live and breed in coastal areas, and are migratory birds. As said before, herring gulls tend to live and breed in coastal areas. Herring gulls breed on flat ground on offshore islands, or on the mainland on cliffs, where there is less risk of exposure to predators. Their heads and bodies are white, and they have light gray backs with yellow bills with a red spot on the bottom of it. Though the males are bigger, the sexes have similar plumage. The diet of the herring gull varies with place and season, as they are opportunistic predators. It includes fish, crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins, marine worms, other birds, eggs, insects. When at sea, they follow foraging whales that force fish to swim to the top of the ocean. They are also scavengers, meaning they feed on remains of garbage and are not afraid to swoop down and take food right out of your hands when you're on the beach. Herring gulls breed during spring, pairing around the middle of March and laying eggs by the middle to end of May. They nest in colonies often with other species of gulls and are protective of their colony. The female usually approaches the male with a begging call and the male feeds the female. If the female eats his food, they will mate. Nests are found on the ground behind rocks to protect from prevailing winds.
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