In spite of its name, this gull is far from being the most common, at least in our part of the world, being outnumbered by the Black headed Gulls, Herring Gulls and quite possibly the Great Black-backed Gull.

This bird shows the brown flecks on its head and neck, as well as the dark mark on its bill, which are characteristic of Winter plumage.

Close up, the Common gull is easily distinguished from our more numerous gulls, given a good view of its bill, leg colour etc. However, when flying overhead it is not so easy. The two flying shots below (which are not good enough to enlarge) show how similar the wing patterning is to the Herring Gull.

Photographs (right and above) - December 2008

Photographs (below) - February 2007

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