Larus

Larus is a large genus of gulls, subfamily Larinae, family Laridae, with worldwide distribution, by far the greatest species diversity found in the Northern Hemisphere. Most gulls were historically placed in this genus until taxonomic revision around 2005 to 2007 showed the arrangement was polyphyletic, leading to the resurrection of several other genera; the genus now contains 25 extant species according to the IOC World Bird List. The type species is the great black-backed gull, Larus marinus; members are medium to large birds, typically pale grey to black above and white below, with stout bills and webbed feet.