Best time to see: Nov to Apr

Key facts

Medium-sized gull with yellow legs and bill, not very common despite its name

Habitat: towns, freshwater marshes, moors, sea, estuaries, shores and fields

Breeds in N. and W. Europe; winter visitor elsewhere, including Essex

Recognition

Pale grey/white upperparts, yellow bill and legs; black wingtips with white 'mirrors' (patches); 42 cm

Often seen with other gulls

Eats a wide range of foods, including refuse, worms, insects and molluscs