Best time to see: Jan to Dec

Key facts

Very pale gull with red legs and heavily built bill

Habitat: freshwater marshes, sea, estuaries and shores

Resident in UK although in small numbers; most common in S. E. Europe

Recognition

Pale grey and white plumage, black head, large droopy red bill, red legs; no black in wings; 37 cm

Often seen amongst flocks of other gulls

Eats fish and invertebrates