European Herring Gull, Larus argentatus, with abnormal upper mandible growth, Whitby, United Kingdom

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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. Although beaks vary significantly in size, shape, color and texture, they share a similar underlying structure. Two bony projections—the upper and lower mandibles—are covered with a thin keratinized layer of epidermis known as the rhamphotheca. In most species, two holes known as nares lead to the respiratory system.

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Size: 5618px × 3888px
Location: Whitby, Yorkshire,United Kingdom
Photo credit: © Dominic Robinson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: abnormal, abnormality, animal, animals, argentatus, avifauna, beak, bill, bird, birdlife, birds, british, coastal, deformed, european, feathers, growth, gull, herring, isles, larus, mandible, maxilla, nature, sea, seabird, seabirds, seagull, uk, upper, wildlife