Herring gulls are medium to large gulls that are found in coastal areas across the Northern Hemisphere. They are opportunistic feeders and scavengers that have adapted well to living near humans. Herring gulls have a varied diet and daily routine that changes depending on the season and availability of food sources. Here is an overview of what herring gulls typically do on a daily and seasonal basis.
Daily Life
On a typical day, herring gulls may spend time doing the following activities:
- Searching for food – This consumes much of a herring gull’s day. They may scout shorelines, docks, landfills, parking lots or other locations looking for anything edible.
- Eating – Their diet is eclectic and includes fish, crabs, mussels, worms, insects, eggs from other birds, berries, human food waste and more. They’ll eat carrion and garbage as well.
- Loafing – When not actively seeking food, herring gulls spend time resting, preening their feathers, bathing and loafing around.
- Socializing – Groups of gulls may gather for comfort and protection. They’ll engage in calls and displays to communicate and reinforce social bonds.
- Travelling – Gulls may fly several miles from nesting sites to find food sources and then return.
- Defending territories – During nesting season, mated pairs will defend their nesting territory from intrusion by other gulls.
- Caring for eggs/chicks – Once eggs are laid, parent birds will take turns incubating the eggs and later feed the hatchlings by regurgitating food.
Herring gulls are most active in the morning and evening hours. The middle part of the day is often spent resting or loafing. They are social birds that Nest colonially,often in huge numbers. their loud “laughing” calls are a familiar sound near coastlines.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for herring gulls typically runs from April to August, depending on latitude. Important breeding behaviors include:
- Courtship displays – In April/May, herring gulls perform aerial displays, vocalizations and mating rituals to attract a mate and solidify a pair bond.
- Nest building – Using found materials like sticks, seaweed and grass, pairs build a nest on the ground or on a rooftop or cliff ledge. Nests range from simple scrapes to large mounds.
- Egg laying – Females typically lay 1 to 3 speckled olive/brown eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for around 28 days before hatching.
- Chick rearing – For 4-6 weeks after hatching, parents protect and feed chicks until they fledge and leave the nest.
Herring gulls exhibit site fidelity, returning to the same nesting colony year after year. Successful pairs may mate for life. In some cases, small flocks of juvenile gulls will congregate into “creches” where they interact as a group.
Migration
Some populations of herring gulls migrate seasonally while others remain in the same area year-round. Migration patterns include:
- Northern/Eastern populations – Many migrate south and west from Canada and Iceland for the winter.
- Western populations – Many migrate north and east from California and Mexico for the summer breeding season.
- Coastal populations – Some migrate inland and along coasts to find open water and adequate food in winter.
- Inland populations – These remain year-round on large lakes, rivers, landfills and urban areas with reliable food.
Migrating flocks travel 200-500 miles on average between wintering and breeding grounds. They tend to migrate during the day and make frequent stops to rest and feed.
Habits and Adaptations
Herring gulls have developed some key physical and behavioral adaptations that allow them to thrive, including:
- Foraging abilities – They are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet. Their scavenger habits provide food from many sources.
- Predator mobbing – Groups may mob predators like eagles to drive them away from nesting areas.
- Adaptability – They thrive in human-altered environments like landfills, harbors and urban areas.
- Longevity – Herring gulls may live 20 years or more in the wild.
- Flying skills – Their large wings allow them to hover and soar over air and water efficiently for hours.
- Swimming abilities – Webbed feet make them strong swimmers to catch prey in the water.
Their intelligence, omnivorous diet and ability to fly long distances contribute to their success as a widespread and resilient species.
Interactions with Humans
Herring gulls often interact with human activities and habitats. Some key ways they interface with people include:
- Scavenging food at landfills, docks and in urban areas
- Nesting on rooftops and building ledges
- Stealing food from outdoor restaurants and beachgoers
- Harassing humans for food handouts in coastal areas
- Roosting and loafing in parking lots, playing fields and lawns
- Predating on crops, fish farms and shellfish beds
- Colliding with aircraft and polluting near airports
Their tendency to take handouts and scavenge makes them adept at living near humans. However, large urban gull populations can create noise, filth and damage issues. Population control, habitat modification and prudent food waste management help address problems.
Population Status
Globally, herring gull populations decreased substantially between the 1940s-1980s due to human persecution and chemical contaminants like DDT. Their populations have rebounded in many regions since restrictions were enacted. Current population trends include:
- Global population – Estimated at 1.4 to 4.6 million breeding pairs.
- United States – 150,000 breeding pairs, with stable population.
- Canada – 260,000 breeding pairs, increasing population trend.
- Europe – 1.5-2.4 million breeding pairs, stable or increasing.
- IUCN status – Listed as a species of Least Concern.
Though still common in many areas, gull populations face continued threats from pollution, habitat loss, climate change, and conflict with human activities. Sustainable management practices are important for their future conservation.
Conclusion
In summary, herring gulls are resourceful seabirds that thrive along northern coastlines and readily interface with human habitats. They spend their days actively foraging for varied foods at sea or on land. Breeding adults engage in elaborate courtship rituals before raising young each summer. Though often considered pests, herring gulls fill an important ecological niche and their adaptive behaviors and resiliency remain key to their continued success.