Best time to see: all year

Key facts

Large gull frequently seen in coastal towns around the UK

Habitat: towns, freshwater, marshes, moors, sea, sea-cliff, estuaries and shores

Widespread resident and winter visitor; breeds along most coasts, including some in Essex

Recognition

Grey and white above, yellow bill with red spot, pink legs; black wingtips with white 'mirrors' (patches); 55–65 cm

Often seen scavenging along sea-fronts

Eats virtually anything

Lifecycle

Nest is a cup of vegetation on cliff, dune, marsh or building

One brood April to May; 2-3 pale green eggs blotched brown