Common Gull

Larus canus

General information. The common gull is a well known bird, as its loud call is an integral part of the Finnish summer. The species is common throughout the entire country but the nesting populations are largest in the southern and central parts of Finland.

• Length about 45 cm
• Nests on the ground on a skerry or a rock, moor, roof or similar location
• Winters in Western Europe
• Omnivorous, feeds on insects worms etc

Habitat. The common gull nests near all types of water bodies, where its preferred habitat constitutes of coastal islands and skerries, along with inland lakes. In some cases, it can also be found nesting in open moorlands alongside the black-headed gull. The common gull has also adapted to nesting in built up areas of varying density, in both urban environments, such as in industrial areas and rooftops, and more rural, village environments, such as barn roofs and farm fields.

Distribution in Vaasa. The common gull is evenly distributed across the whole Vaasa area. Observations indicating nesting were made in approximately 270 survey blocks over the years the survey was conducted. The common gull is absent only from the most forested blocks, as these environments provide unsuitable nesting sites.