Chroicocephalus ridibundus
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Mass
~280 g
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The black-headed gull is a lively, small gull that is easy to notice on water and around towns. In breeding plumage it shows a dark head and a pale body, and in flight its narrow, pointed wings stand out.
It is noisy and highly social, especially in colonies. Its calls can sound sharp and crackling, and it also makes catlike and chuckling sounds. When disturbed, the whole group can erupt at once.
It breeds on lakes, rivers, marshes, and other wet places, and it has also adapted to city dumps and food-processing sites. It eats insects, worms, fish, frogs, and scraps, and most populations move south or west for winter.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The black-headed gull is a lively, small gull that is easy to notice on water and around towns. In breeding plumage it shows a dark head and a pale body, and in flight its narrow, pointed wings stand out.
It is noisy and highly social, especially in colonies. Its calls can sound sharp and crackling, and it also makes catlike and chuckling sounds. When disturbed, the whole group can erupt at once.
It breeds on lakes, rivers, marshes, and other wet places, and it has also adapted to city dumps and food-processing sites. It eats insects, worms, fish, frogs, and scraps, and most populations move south or west for winter.
