Herring Gull

The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is a large and striking gull, recognized by its pale gray back, white body, and pink legs, with a distinctive yellow bill marked by a red spot. Often seen in Faxaflói Bay, these adaptable seabirds are known for their loud, distinctive calls and social behavior, often gathering in large, noisy flocks. Herring Gulls are skilled foragers, using their intelligence and resourcefulness to locate food, whether by scavenging, fishing, or even dropping shellfish onto rocks to crack them open. Their widespread distribution and versatile habits make them a fascinating species to observe in Iceland’s coastal environment.