A medium-sized seabird belonging to the Laridae family, characterized by seasonal plumage changes and widespread distribution across Europe and Asia.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal regions, wetlands, lakes, rivers, agricultural landscapes, urban parks, and maritime environments in temperate and subarctic zones of Europe and Northern Asia.
Ecological Role
Crucial for marine and terrestrial ecosystem balance, serving as indicator species, controlling insect populations, and participating in nutrient cycling through scavenging behaviors.
Morphology
SKIN COATPredominantly white plumage with gray dorsal surfaces, seasonal color variations indicating reproductive status
LIMBS WINGSLong, pointed wings adapted for sustained flight, webbed feet for swimming and aquatic maneuvering, grayish-white wing feathers with black wingtips
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes, acute visual perception, white head with dark chocolate-brown hood during breeding season, transitioning to white with dark ear patches in winter
BODY STRUCTURESlender body with wingspan of 100-110 cm, body mass 250-350 g, length 37-43 cm, aerodynamic profile optimized for maritime flight
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Diliff
