Immature birds are grey in colour overall. The Herring Gull can be found in abundance along any coastal area in Nova Scotia. Generally a scavenger, it has no particular food preference. A permanent or stay-resident bird, this gull has no migratory compulsions. However, if an individual gull is so disposed toward travel, it will most likely winter along the eastern coast of the United States.
Breeding range includes most of Canada and all coast lines.
Two to three eggs are usually laid, as early as mid-May. The Herring Gull has been placed under the protection of the International Migratory Bird Convention ever since the year 1917. Since then, this gull has increased greatly in population, to the point of becoming a serious threat to other bird species such as the terns. One of the largest gulls at an average of 30 inches in size, this bird has a black back, and a white underbody when mature. A red spot can be seen just under the tip of its long slightly curved beak.