Shoreham-by-Sea harbour. A smaller version of the Herring Gull - looks kind of daintier. Males and females tricky to tell apart. Non-breeding they have mottled markings on their heads. Breeding season their heads and necks are white.

Common Gull (Larus canus) (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea harbour. A smaller version of the Herring Gull - looks kind of daintier. Males and females tricky to tell apart. Non-breeding they have mottled markings on their heads. Breeding season their heads and necks are white.

Shoreham-by-Sea harbour. They are actually not common at all, only named that because during the winter it feeds on "Common" land, short pasture used for grazing. Look amongst the black-headed gulls and you may be lucky to spot one or some.

Common Gull (Larus canus) (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea harbour. They are actually not common at all, only named that because during the winter it feeds on "Common" land, short pasture used for grazing. Look amongst the black-headed gulls and you may be lucky to spot one or some.

Common Gull (Larus canus) (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea harbour. And they have a red ring around their eyes.

Common Gull (Larus canus) (02/01/2006) Shoreham-by-Sea harbour. A distinctive black wingbar in flight.

Common Gull (Larus canus) (02/01/2006) Shoreham-by-Sea harbour.

Common Gull (Larus canus) (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea harbour. In the breeding season, their bills turn a bit more yellow.

Common Gull (Larus canus) (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea harbour.