This is a common question for those who live near the ocean or other bodies of water where gulls are present. At first glance, herring gulls and seagulls may appear very similar. However, they are actually two different types of gulls with some distinct differences.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is no, herring gulls and seagulls are not the same thing. While they belong to the same family of birds and share some physical characteristics, they are two distinct species with notable differences.
Seagull is a Broad Term
Part of the confusion around herring gulls and seagulls stems from the fact that “seagull” is an informal, umbrella term used to refer to several species of gulls that live in coastal areas. It is not a scientific classification. There are over 50 species of gulls worldwide that could potentially be called “seagulls.” Some of the most common seagull species include:
- Herring gull
- Ring-billed gull
- Laughing gull
- Franklin’s gull
- Black-headed gull
So in a sense, herring gulls are one type of seagull, but seagulls as a whole are made up of many different gull species.
Key Differences
While herring gulls are a type of seagull, there are some key differences between herring gulls specifically and other seagull species:
Herring Gull | Other Seagull Species |
---|---|
Large gull with long wingspan (up to 67 inches) | Range in size from small to large |
Dark gray back and wings | Varying plumage colors |
Pink legs | Yellow, gray, or black legs |
Orange red spot on lower bill | Bill color varies |
As you can see, while herring gulls share the “seagull” classification with other shorebirds, they have some unique identifying features that set them apart, including their large size, distinctive color pattern, and pink legs.
Species Classification
Scientifically speaking, herring gulls and other seagulls belong to different species entirely within the Laridae family of gulls:
- Herring gull: Larus argentatus
- Ring-billed gull: Larus delawarensis
- Laughing gull: Leucophaeus atricilla
- Franklin’s gull: Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Black-headed gull: Chroicocephalus ridibundus
There are over 20 recognized species in the Larus genus alone. So herring gulls are just one of many species that fall under the general “seagull” label. They have distinct genetics, anatomy, and behaviors compared to other seagull species.
Behavioral Differences
In addition to physical characteristics, herring gulls and other seagulls have some differences in their behaviors as well:
- Diet: Herring gulls have a more varied diet including fish, insects, eggs, and even small mammals and other birds. Other gull species may be more specialized.
- Migration: Some seagull species migrate long distances seasonally, while herring gulls may remain in the same general region year-round.
- Nesting: Herring gulls nest on the ground of rocky cliffs and islands. Other gulls have different nesting preferences.
- Foraging: Herring gulls will dive into water and flip over rocks to get food. Other gulls use different foraging methods.
These behavioral differences reflect the subtle variations that have evolved between gull species based on their environments, food sources, and lifecycles.
Where They Overlap
While herring gulls and seagulls overall are different, they do share some similar traits and behaviors as well:
- They occupy similar coastal, marine, and inland lake habitats.
- Their diets overlap on certain food sources like fish, mollusks, and marine invertebrates.
- They are migratory to some degree based on weather and food availability.
- They are socially monogamous and mate for life.
- They have similar egg-laying and chick-rearing behaviors.
- They are both intelligent species known for their adaptability.
So in some respects, herring gulls do fit the generic “seagull” mold in terms of their habitat, lifestyle, and adaptations. But they still maintain their species uniqueness compared to other gulls that also get the seagull designation.
Conclusion
While herring gulls are considered a type of “seagull” in casual terminology, they are distinct as a species from other gull species also called seagulls. Herring gulls have identifiable size, plumage, leg color, and behavioral differences from related seagull species. However, they do occupy similar habitats and share some overlapping traits and behaviors with other coastal gulls. So in summary, herring gulls are seagulls in the broad sense, but not all seagulls are herring gulls.