Seagulls
Key
Features of Seagulls
Five
species of gull commonly occur in the United Kingdom,
but only 3, the Greater Black-Backed (Larus marinus),
the Lesser Black-Backed (Larus fuscus) and the Herring
Gull (Larus argentatus) are regarded as pests and can
be killed under the General Licence.
Pest Species
Great B.B. Gull,
Lesser B.B. Gull, Herring Gull
Protected Species
Black-Headed Gull, Common Gull Kittiwake
Food & Habits
In inland localities, especially outside the
breeding season, gulls often roost in many thousands
on large bodies of water such as reservoirs or flooded
gravel pits. When inland, are largely dependent on domestic
refuse for food. Herring gulls and lesser black-backed
gulls are becoming increasingly important pests as they
have changed their behaviour over the last 20 years,
to nest more and more on buildings.
Heavy fouling may occur on buildings used by gulls.
They can also damage roofs by pecking, their nests can
block drainage channels and chimneys and their aggressive
behaviour during the breeding season can result in attacks
on nearby humans. They will take birds and small mammals
for food.
Breeding & Life Cycle
These birds have a distinct breeding season,
between May and August in Northern Europe. The Herring
Gull starts breeding when 5 years old and will live
for up to 25 years. Normally two eggs are laid per season,
but if the eggs are removed or are killed, they can
relay several times that season.
Nests are usually made alongside other gulls in colonies
and once a breeding site is established, the gulls will
return to it year after year. The numbers of breeding
pairs on roofs in the UK is increasing at a rate of
10% per year for Herring Gulls and 17% per year for
Lesser Black-Backed Gulls.
Control
The principal feature to easily distinguish the pest
gulls from the protected ones (in the UK) is the size.
Big gulls (more than 50cm in length) are likely to be
pests; little ones should be left alone.
There are several methods available for controlling
problem seagull populations and preventing problem flocks
from settling, including wiring, netting, pointing and
pesticides.
