Growing urban gull population poses challenges in Dutch cities
The number of seagulls nesting in urban areas across the Netherlands continues to rise, with approximately 10 percent of the country’s herring gull and lesser black-backed gull populations now settling on rooftops of residential and commercial buildings, according to recent surveys. Despite efforts to deter the birds, experts say adaptation is the only realistic solution for municipalities and residents.
The trend is evident in multiple cities. The Hague has recorded over 500 pairs of herring gulls, IJmuiden has approximately 200, and Alkmaar has reported 720, particularly in industrial zones that appear attractive to the birds. “The problem is that counting pairs in cities is more challenging,” said Albert de Jong of Sovon Bird Research. “However, the shift toward urban nesting is undeniable.”
Several factors contribute to the growing urban gull population. Natural breeding sites along the coast are increasingly threatened by predators such as foxes. Industrial areas, once used for nesting, are being developed, reducing available space. Additionally, food supplies have declined since fishing vessels were prohibited from discarding bycatch at sea.
The overall seagull population has been shrinking for years. The lesser black-backed gull population now stands at approximately 67,000 pairs, while the herring gull population has dropped to 29,000 pairs.
“The gulls are moving to higher ground,” De Jong explained. “Cities provide abundant food, and flat rooftops offer a safe environment for nesting.”
Dutch municipalities have limited options for managing the seagull population, as the species is protected under environmental laws. Each city, in consultation with its province, may develop its own policies, but actions that directly harm the birds or disrupt their breeding are illegal.
“There are companies that send employees onto rooftops to destroy eggs,” De Jong noted. “But that is illegal. If caught, they can face prosecution.”
Some municipalities have taken measures to mitigate nuisance. The Hague has expanded the use of underground waste containers to prevent garbage accumulation, a major food source for gulls. The city also promotes the use of reinforced, seagull-resistant garbage bags.
“We don’t want to drive them away entirely,” a spokesperson for The Hague said. “Seagulls are part of the city’s character.” Some restaurants in the city center have posted signs asking customers not to feed the birds.
Leiden has introduced designated feeding bans in areas with high bird-related disturbances. Rotterdam, home to the Netherlands’ largest seagull colony with roughly 25,000 birds, is also seeing an influx into its urban areas as industrial sites on the Maasvlakte are developed.
André de Baerdemaeker, an ecologist with Bureau Stadsnatuur in Rotterdam, advises businesses and residents to take simple precautions. “Use umbrellas on terraces to block gulls’ flight paths. It makes a big difference.”
He also urges people not to be intimidated. “They may seem large and aggressive, but they won’t attack. They only bite if grabbed. They weigh about as much as a large carton of milk.”
For residents dealing with noise pollution from nesting gulls, De Baerdemaeker offers practical advice: “If chicks are begging for food at night, it can be disruptive. My best recommendation? Buy earplugs. Driving them away often just shifts the problem to your neighbor.”
While some municipalities are looking for long-term strategies to manage the growing population, De Baerdemaeker encourages a broader perspective. “The species is under enormous pressure. Their move into cities is a survival strategy. Imagine a Netherlands without seagulls—if we reach that point, we’ll regret letting it happen.”
