Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Common Gull

Scientific name: Larus canus


Common Gull

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: LARIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Tolerant

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: N/A

Gestation: N/A

Births: N/A


Habitat:
Coasts, lakes, rivers

Description:
The common gull, or Larus canus, is a medium-sized seabird, identifiable by its light grey back and white underparts. Its wings feature a black band with distinctive white spots. The bill is yellow with a greenish tip, and its legs range from green to yellow. It inhabits coasts, lakes, and rivers, often in colonies. An opportunistic feeder, it consumes fish, invertebrates, and human waste. Partially migratory, it moves southward in winter. Its population is stable, though sensitive to environmental changes. The common gull is a social bird, often seen in groups, playing a crucial role in coastal ecosystems.

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the common gull, aim for the golden hours of morning or evening to benefit from soft, flattering light. Use a telephoto lens of 400mm or more to capture fine details without disturbing the bird. Be patient and wait for it to adopt an interesting posture or interact with its environment. In-flight shots can be spectacular, so don't hesitate to use burst mode to increase your chances of success. Finally, always respect the safety distance to avoid disrupting its natural behavior.

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