Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the herring gull in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the herring gull in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the herring gull in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the herring gull’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Herring Gull
Scientific name: Larus argentatus
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: LARIDAE
Group: Birds
Sensitivity to human approach: Not shy
Minimum approach distance: 20 m
Courtship display: March to April
Incubation: 26–28 jours
Hatchings: March to April
Habitat:
Coastal shores, ports, estuaries and urban areas
Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.
Identification and description:
The herring gull is a large seabird in the family Laridae, up to 66 cm long with a wingspan of up to 1.4 m. It has a white head, body and tail, grey back and wings with black wingtips marked with white spots, and pink legs. It breeds in coastal colonies on islands, cliffs and urban roofs, foraging on fish, crustaceans, invertebrates and human refuse. The breeding season runs from April to June, when it lays 2–3 eggs in a simple ground scrape.
Recommended lens:
500 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Shoot from a low vantage near the shore or a pier to include the coastal background. Use a fast shutter speed (≥1/2000 s) to freeze wing beats in flight, and favor the soft light at sunrise or sunset.
The WildlifePhotographer App is coming soon!
Be the first to explore the best nature spots, track rutting seasons, log your observations, and observe more wildlife.
Already 1 406 wildlife lovers subscribed worldwide