Herring Gull
VU

Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_herring_gull

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Herring Gulls face significant population declines across their range due to multiple anthropogenic pressures. Coastal development and human disturbance at breeding colonies have reduced nesting success, while pollution from plastics and chemical contaminants affects reproduction and survival rates. Climate change is altering prey availability and shifting suitable breeding habitat northward, forcing populations to adapt to changing marine ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Herring Gulls inhabit coastal environments including rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries, and offshore islands where they establish breeding colonies. They also frequent urban areas, landfills, and inland water bodies, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to human-modified landscapes.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Laridae

Greater Black-backed GullVU

Greater Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Unknown
Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed GullVU

Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

Unknown
Caspian TernCR

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

Unknown
Little GullCR

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Herring Gull classified as Vulnerable?
Herring Gull is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Herring Gulls face significant population declines across their range due to multiple anthropogenic pressures. Coastal development and human disturbance at breeding colonies have reduced nesting success, while pollution from plastics and chemical contaminants affects reproduction and survival rates. Climate change is altering prey availability and shifting suitable breeding habitat northward, forcing populations to adapt to changing marine ecosystems.
Where does Herring Gull live?
Herring Gull occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Herring Gull?
The main threats to Herring Gull are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.