Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Mediterranean Gull
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Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
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Voice
Call
Noé Ferrari
Song
Pascal Christe
Call
Noé Ferrari
How to recognize it
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Small, sturdy gull with a round head and short neck
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Breeding adult: black hood to the nape, pale grey wings with no black tips
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Winter plumage: dark grey mask behind the eye instead of a full hood
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Dark red bill with a black band; dark red legs
About the species
The Mediterranean Gull has a compact, sturdy look, with a short neck and a strong bill. In breeding plumage the dark hood is the easiest thing to notice, while in winter it leaves only a dusky patch behind the eye.
It is a noisy gull, especially around colonies, and its nasal calls carry well. It tends to be social and feeds both along the shore and on open water, taking whatever food is available, including carrion.
It breeds in colonies in reed beds, marshes, islands in lakes, and coastal areas. Its diet includes fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and insects, and in winter some move to Mediterranean coasts while others stay near their breeding areas.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Ichthyaetus melanocephalus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Mediterranean gull Encyclopedia article