Urban Observation: Go fetch!

Check out this fun-loving gull and its new toy!

This gull seen last week at Queen’s Park in Brighton, UK, seems to have been enjoying a game of tennis!

Gulls species are notoriously difficult to differentiate. There are more than 50 species of gulls, the majority being part of the genus Larus. If observing a multi-species flock from a distance, it’s probable that only a very experienced birder would be able to distinguish between them. However, due to this gull’s location, pink legs, and plumage, it is likely a European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) in its 1st or 2nd winter. Once this gull reaches maturity (around 4 years old), it will obtain its adult plumage: a fully gray back and white underbelly, as well as lighter eyes and a yellow bill. Male and female herring gulls have identical plumage; however, they are sexually dimorphic in size, as the males tend to be larger.

References

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Herring Gull. All About Birds. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Herring_Gull/

Spencer, S. Larus argentatus (herring gull). Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Larus_argentatus/

 

Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a rare plant or animal that you were surprised to find in a city? If so, Tweet at us, and you could be featured as a future observation of the week!

Featured image: © Дмитрий Еременко, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Olivia Weklar
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