Larus argentatus; Print; The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large gull; up to 26 in (66 cm) long. One of the best-known of all gulls along the shores of Western Europe; it was once abundant. It breeds across Northern Europe; Western Europe; Central Europe; Eastern Europe; Scandinavia; and the Baltic states. Some European herring gulls; especially those resident in colder areas; migrate further south in winter; but many are permanent residents; e.g. in Ireland; Britain; Iceland; or on the North Sea shores. They have a varied diet; including fish; crustaceans; and dead animals; as well as some plants.; 1700-1880