Goals for Gulls: Football Bird spotting 101

Morphing from Dolphins to Seagulls in 1976, Brighton & Hove Albion would technically be the longest-living seagull of all time.

However, since there is no such species as a seagull (rather, many types of gulls who happen to frequent the sea), it is worth diving into the name.

What types of gulls can you find around Brighton and what are they up to? And which bookmakers offer the best bonuses on the next gull to score a goal?

Herring Gull
Characterised by a red spot on their yellow beak as well as their ability to scream, Herring Gulls have pale grey backs and wings.

In spite of their prolific wheeling over the Falmer Stadium, they are actually on the red list (endangered) due to declining populations throughout the UK. Excellent foragers.

Common gull
Looking like a smaller, gentler version of the herring gull, they have migrated more to towns and housing estates than the open beach.

During winter, they have a lot more grey on their back and if they are young, they are speckled grey and black all over.

Kittiwake gull
Flying between Brighton and Hove and the Caribbean, the Kittiwake gull breeds on the Brighton and Newhaven cliffs. They have short black legs and love to eat fish.

They are much less likely to steal your chip butty than all other gull species. Very special to the UK’s bird population.

Black headed gull
Having a black head only when fully mature and during summer, this less than aptly named gull species is found in coastal areas as well as inland.

They love to gather in huge flocks, which is great.

Yellow legged gull
The bugger who steals your food, this new species of gull is a giant nuisance (and definitely the one who stole your chip butty).

Yellow-legged goals look very similar to the herring gull (think:red spot on beak) but are bigger, noisier and complete omnivores.

So; next time you are out and about, attending a game or standing outside Churchill Square, remember: there is actually only one type of seagull available to bet on and that is Brighton and Hove Albion.

Loads of bookmakers out there offering various free bet bonuses for the Seagulls we love, and lots of birdwatchers out there spotting the gulls, exploring the coastline and looking for food to steal.