Common Gull (Fiskmås)

The Common Gull is found throughout Sweden, from Skåne to Lapland, around coasts, lakes, and rivers.
It breeds in archipelagos, lake islands, and near human settlements, often even on rooftops.

Behaviour:
An adaptable and social species, the Common Gull often nests in colonies and is alert and vocal during the breeding season.
Outside of breeding, it gathers in flocks on fields, dumps, or shorelines, and can often be seen following ploughing machines or fishing boats.

Diet:
The Common Gull is omnivorous.
It feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, insects, worms, small rodents, and waste.
It often forages along shorelines, lakesides, and farmland.

Reproduction:
Breeding takes place in May–June.
Both parents build a nest of grass and seaweed on the ground, usually near water.
The female lays 2–3 eggs, which are incubated for about 24 days.
Both parents care for the chicks, which fledge after 5–6 weeks and reach adult-like plumage after 3–4 months.

Migration:
The Common Gull is partially migratory.
Many overwinter in southern Sweden, while northern birds migrate to Western Europe and the North Sea coast.

Distribution:
Occurs across northern Europe, Asia, and North America.
In Sweden, it is one of the most common and widespread gulls.

Hunting:
The Common Gull is a game species in Sweden according to the Hunting Ordinance (Bilaga 1).
Hunting season: 1 August – 28 (or 29) February, though dates may vary by county.
Hunting usually takes place near coasts, lakes, or agricultural land, and sometimes as protective hunting.

Firearm class (Sweden):
The species may be hunted with:

• Shotgun, typically using pellet size no. 5–7, or
• Rifle class 4 (permitted for gulls and small game).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Medium-sized light gull with greenish-yellow bill and pale legs.
• Common near lakes, rivers, and coasts.
• Eats fish, insects, and waste.
• Colonial breeder, nests on ground or rooftops.
• Chicks gain adult plumage after 3–4 months.
• Game species – hunted with shotgun or rifle class 4.
• Important scavenger and fish-eater in the ecosystem.