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- The herring gull is one of the two main sea birds to be found on Cowbar. This photograph is of Sid, a charming and amenable gull friend of 10 years’ standing.
- They differ from the common gull in having a distinctive red spot on their long yellow bill, which their chicks tap to prompt regurgitation. As you see, they also have pink legs, a white undercarriage & head and silver-grey wings. In winter, adults develop greyish brown streaks on their normally pure white heads. There is no difference in plumage between males and females but males are often slightly larger and sturdier looking.
- It takes four years for a young bird to achieve its adult plumage. Hatching with brownish feathers with darker speckles and streaks, they gradually become lighter and less streaky by the year. They also have dark eyes and a darker bill until maturity.
- They are categorised as a large bird, with an adult wingspan of around 1.4m.
- Their average lifespan is 20 years.
- Male and female gulls work together to raise their chicks and are bonded for life. Most pairs produce 2 or 3 brownish grey specked eggs. Sid is around pretty much all the year but his partner only reappears in Spring and once the chicks are fledged she gradually absents herself once more. They nest on the same site every year.
- Many people have little regard for these birds, considering them as a prolific nuisance. But in fact, the mortality rate of chicks is high and as their natural habitat is eroded, their numbers are in decline. They are on the BoCC 5 (Birds of Conservation Concern) Red List.
