Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

Herring Gull. Photo:Mont St-Hilaire Nature Center

The herring gull is one of the most common gull species in Canada. This species nests in colonies along the coast of eastern Canada, as well as on inland lakes across much of the country . Although little is known about the status of inland gulls, which are scattered across the landscape, recent studies have found dramatic declines in Herring Gull populations during the 1990's in some colonies. The herring gull is an ingenious bird, and has adapted to a wide range of food resources; it is even known to drop urchins and molluscs onto rocks to expose the edible portions. This gull is also very well adapted to human settlement, as it effectively exploits human activities--by following fishing boats, and visiting fish processing plants and garbage dumps.

Distribution of Herring Gull in Canada