52-58 cm, sexes similar. Grey upperparts, white lower parts. Present throughout the year and abundant, nesting in the lagoon, on the roofs of houses in Trieste and Grado, and with a few pairs along the coast of Duino and Miramare. In search of food, it is quite happy to stray a long way from wetlands, following fishing boats out to sea, as well as tractors in fields and also frequenting rubbish tips.