Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Little Gull
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Hydrocoloeus minutus
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How to recognize it
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Tiny gull, clearly smaller than Black-headed Gull
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Light, fluttering flight; more tern-like than most gulls
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Adult: black hood, dark red bill, bright pink legs
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In flight, underwing looks almost black; white trailing edge above
About the species
The Little Gull is a very small, light-looking gull with quick, fluttering flight. In breeding plumage, the dark head and short, slender red bill make it especially memorable.
It moves briskly and often switches between active wingbeats and easier gliding. Its voice is musical and rhythmic, while alarm notes are drier and sharper.
In the breeding season it uses shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and river floodplains, then shifts to sea coasts in winter. It feeds on small aquatic and land invertebrates, catches insects in the air, and also takes small fish and tiny crustaceans.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Hydrocoloeus minutus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Little gull Encyclopedia article