Brown gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull, measuring from 52 to 67 cm in length, and its wingspan from 128 to 148 cm. It is characterized by a distinctly dark gray upper side of the wings, a yellow beak with a red spot on the tip of the lower part, orange-yellow legs, and yellow pupils. When on the ground, one can observe the black tips of the wings with three small white spots. The other parts of its body are immaculate white.
Brown gulls are very adaptable birds that feed on aquatic invertebrates, bird chicks, eggs, rodents, small fish, as well as plant fruits and carrion. Unlike other gulls, brown gulls have been observed diving into the sea to catch fish, which is otherwise typical for some other groups of seabirds.
Some populations of the brown gull that nest in Russia and Europe migrate to warmer places with the onset of winter. They nest in May and June in colonies near water. Their nest is simple; it can be a pile of feathers or vegetation, or just a hollow in the ground, thinly lined with softer material.
The habitat of the brown gull is mainly coastal habitats, such as river estuaries, lagoons and bays. In the past, the brown gull nested only in natural habitats, such as wetlands, on sandy or rocky shores and on rocky islands on rivers, lakes and the sea; today it also nests on the roofs of houses. Primarily due to its adaptability, the range of this species has expanded, and with that the number of brown gulls has increased.
