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European herring gull
A gesticulating gull
We're not sure if this European herring gull is conducting a symphony, describing the size of a fish that got away or just shaking the water off its wings. In fact, there's a lot that we're not sure about regarding the Larus genus of seabirds. Because these gulls breed in a ring pattern circling the Northern Hemisphere, scientists disagree on whether European, American and Asian gull populations are distinct species or subspecies. Whatever their taxonomy, just make sure that you've hidden your food when you see these birds about.
A gesticulating gull
We're not sure if this European herring gull is conducting a symphony, describing the size of a fish that got away or just shaking the water off its wings. In fact, there's a lot that we're not sure about regarding the Larus genus of seabirds. Because these gulls breed in a ring pattern circling the Northern Hemisphere, scientists disagree on whether European, American and Asian gull populations are distinct species or subspecies. Whatever their taxonomy, just make sure that you've hidden your food when you see these birds about.
Gulls are so abundant across the world that scientists have a hard time agreeing which species are which.
© Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :