black-headed gull
Larus ridibundus

Compare with:
mediterranean gull

Key facts

Most common and widespread gull, seen in almost all habitats

Habitat: towns, marshes, moors, sea, shoreline, fields

Widespread and common colonial breeder

Recognition

Pale grey/white upperparts; black hood in summer, white head with black smudge in winter; red bill and legs; black on wings

Gregarious gull often forming large flocks and often seen scavenging

Eats fish and invertebrates

Lifecycle

Nest is a scrape or cup of vegetation in marsh

1 Brood April to May; 3 eggs buffy spotted black

black-headed gull
owner

Other photos:
winter | original