Larus michahellis
The Yellow-legged Gull, Larus michahellis, is a striking and adaptable large gull, closely related to the Herring Gull complex, from which it was largely split as a distinct species in the late 20th century. Adults are characterized by their bright yellow legs, a dark grey mantle (back and upperwings), a strong yellow bill with a prominent red spot near the tip, and piercing dark eyes often encircled by a vivid red orbital ring. They measure approximately 52-60 cm in length with a wingspan of...
Yellow-legged Gulls predominantly inhabit coastal and marine environments, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries, and offshore islands. They are highly adaptable and frequently exploit urban areas, landfills, and agricultural fields, typically at low to moderate elevations.
This species is an omnivorous and highly opportunistic scavenger, consuming a wide array of items including fish, marine invertebrates, insects, offal, refuse, carrion, small mammals, eggs, nestlings, and even some fruits and seeds. They primarily forage by scavenging, surface-seizing, and gleaning.
Yellow-legged Gulls are highly opportunistic and exhibit complex social behaviors. They are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and often gathering in large, noisy roosts on coastal cliffs, islands, or even city rooftops at night. Foraging strategies are diverse, including surface-seiz...
The primary breeding range of the Yellow-legged Gull encompasses the Mediterranean Basin, extending across the Atlantic coasts of Europe from Portugal north to France, and along the Black Sea coast. They also breed in parts of the Middle East, including Turkey and the Levant. During the non-breed...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-legged Gull was historically considered a subspecies of the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and later of the Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans) before being recognized as a full species. - Their bright yellow legs are a key identifier, distinguishing them from the pink-legged Herring Gu...