herring gull

herring gull (plural herring gulls)

1. Any of a group of large seagulls in the Larus genus.
   • 1911, Anna Botsford Comstock, Handbook of Nature Study, 24th edition, published 1939, page 106:

     Flocks of herring gulls are often seen near piers and wharves where they perform a valuable service by feeding on garbage and refuse.

   1. Specifically the European herring gull (Larus argentatus).

• (European herring gull): shitehawk (UK, informal)

• American herring gull (Larus smithsonianus or Larus argentatus smithsonianus)
• East Siberian herring gull (Larus vegae)