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Gull

Gulls

Immature Californian Gull
Larus californicus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Charadriiformes
Family†:Laridae
Genera
Pagophila
Larus
Rissa
Creagus
Xema
Rhodostethia
† see also: Tern, Noddy
The gulls are seabirds in the family Laridae and subfamily Lari. They are closely related to the terns, and more distantly to the waders, auks and skimmers.

Most gulls belong to the large genus Larus.

They are in general medium to large birds, typically with grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish stout bills and webbed feet.

Most gulls, particularly in Larus, are ground nesting omnivores, which will take live food or scavenge opportunistically.

Apart from the kittiwakes, gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea. The large species take up to four years to attain full adult plumage, but two years is typical for small gulls.

The taxonomy of the Herring Gull is particularly complicated.

The species are: