| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | A large gull measuring 52–64 cm in length with a wingspan of 124–150 cm and weight between 600–1,100 g. It has a dark slate-grey back and wings, white head and underparts, and yellow legs and bill. The head often shows brown streaks in winter.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Breeds across northern and western Europe, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, and the Baltic region. Populations are migratory or partially migratory depending on latitude.
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| Migrate to: | Winters in southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia, often along coasts, estuaries, and inland lakes.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds from May to July, nesting in colonies on coastal cliffs, islands, and rooftops. The nest is made of vegetation and debris and usually contains 2–3 eggs.
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| Breed in: | Found breeding mainly along coastal regions and inland lakes in temperate zones, especially in northern Europe and western Russia.
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| Habitat: | Occupies coastal shorelines, harbors, estuaries, mudflats, and reservoirs. In winter, also frequents inland fields, garbage dumps, and fishing ports.
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| Diet: | Omnivorous and opportunistic—feeds on fish, invertebrates, carrion, refuse, and small birds. Forages both at sea and on land, often seen scavenging or following fishing vessels.
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