It looks like a small, gentler version of the Herring Gull, with greenish legs and a yellow bill.

In summer look along coasts and inland marshes and lakes of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. Elsewhere in England and Wales seen in winter on farmland, near lakes and marshes and on the coast.

All year round

Its name does not indicate that it is an abundant species, but that during the winter it feeds on common land, short pasture used for grazing. Often mixed with the more common Black-headed Gull, but normally in small numbers. Like most gulls, they are omnivores and will scavenge as well as hunt small prey.

Common and widespread in Britain

A common bird in Leicestershire and Rutland.