European Herring Gull preparing Sea Squirt for eating in Dún Laoghaire Marina, Ireland. Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert!

The most widespread pink-legged gull in North America, the herring is common in the east and mainly a winter visitor in the west. Hybrids can be locally common (mainly in the wescat). Polytypic.

The herring gull is perhaps our archetypical ‘seagull’ and adaptable to human influences, is a born survivor. These big, long-lived, highly intelligent birds are equally at home on sea cliffs ...