The Common Gull (Larus canus) is the medium-sized gull with a yellow-green bill and dark eye, often nicknamed the "middle gull" because it sits between the smaller Black-headed Gull and the large gulls in size. It is common and widespread at coasts, lakes and in towns across Sweden, Norway and Denmark, measuring 40–46 cm in length with a wingspan of about 110–130 cm and weighing roughly 300–500 grams. In summer plumage the head and underside are white, the upperside pale grey, and the wingtips black with clear white spots known as "mirrors." Unlike the larger gulls, the bill is yellow-green without a red spot, and the dark eye gives the bird a notably mild expression; the legs are yellowish. Young birds are mottled brown and only reach full adult plumage in their third year, via several intermediate plumages.
Its call is light, ringing and somewhat piping, often rendered "kli-kli-aah" or a series of high, plinking notes — noticeably lighter than the coarse laughing calls of the large gulls, though it can become intense at busy colonies. The Common Gull breeds throughout Sweden, from coasts and large lakes to small ponds and inland towns, with a national population estimated at 100,000–200,000 pairs. It is a short-distance migrant: many birds move to North Sea coasts and Western Europe for winter, while some remain along southern Swedish coasts and ice-free harbours. It nests both in colonies and as solitary pairs on islands, skerries, cliffs and shore meadows, but has also become adept at using rooftops and artificial platforms in towns; the usual clutch of three eggs is incubated by both parents for 24–27 days, and chicks fledge after about five weeks. As a true opportunist it eats insects, earthworms, small rodents, fish, berries and refuse, often probing for worms on damp lawns and gathering at sewage works and landfills — fish makes up only part of its diet despite the name.
Read about this species in Swedish →