A review of the status of the Herring Gull Larus argentatus in Spain

Seabird Journal2011Vol. 24, pp. 72–82

Abstract

The Herring Gull Larus argentatus is considered a regular but scarce visitor to Spain, but its detailed status is uncertain. Here I present a compilation of published (primarily annual bird reports) and unpublished information (internet forums, direct communications by local ornithologists, ringing recoveries) to clarify the distribution and numbers of Herring Gulls in Spain, and their origins. More detailed information on age composition and phenology is presented for Asturias (NW Spain), perhaps the region where the species is most studied. According to ring recoveries (n = 43), the majority of Herring Gulls visiting Spain belong to the subspecies L. a. argenteus (mainly from the British Isles), with only 7% coming from breeding areas of the Nordic subspecies L. a. argentatus. Most observations occur in autumn and winter, being scarcer in spring and summer, and numbers vary between years. Two-thirds of birds recorded were in their first two years of life, with adults comprising only a quarter of the total. Ringing recoveries suggest Herring Gulls were more common in Spain 30+ years ago than at present. Data from winter censuses in Asturias between 2002 and 2007 gave a mean proportion of 1.06% Herring Gulls amongst the Yellow-legged Gull L. michahellis contingent. It is estimated that between 250 and 400 Herring Gulls are present in Asturias in mid January, and between 500 and 700 in the whole of Spain at the time of the winter censuses. There are two possible but unconfirmed attempts of breeding.

Abstract

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