Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Genus · Masked Gulls and allies Family · Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
FarmlandLake wetlandsMarine

Look for bright red legs and a red bill. In flight, the most reliable identifier is the long, brilliant white wedge on the leading edge of the outer wing.

Black-headed Gull
Stats
Wingspan94–110 cm
Weight200–400 g
Length34–40 cm
Lifespan wild10–30 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size2–3 eggs
Incubation22–26 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourColonial

Diet: Omnivore

🐟Fish
🦗Insects
🪱Worms
🦀Crustaceans
🍕Human food
🦴Carrion

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

Black-headed Gulls use a foraging technique known as “foot-paddling,” rhythmically tapping the ground to create vibrations that can bring earthworms to the surface, making them easier to catch.

About

The most common small gull in Europe. It is frequently found in city parks, farmland, and near water. Its summer 'hood' is actually dark chocolate-brown, not black. In winter, the head becomes white with a dark 'ear spot' behind the eye. It is a graceful and opportunistic bird that thrives in human-altered landscapes.

Behaviour

Black-headed Gulls are vocal and social. They nest in large colonies in marshes or on islands. They are agile fliers and often hover over water to pluck insects from the surface. In winter, they are common on school fields. They 'paddle' the grass with their feet to bring earthworms to the surface.

Similar species

Common Gull
🐦
Common Gull
Larus canus
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