Caspian Gull

Larus cachinnans

Genus · Large White-headed Gulls Family · Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
MarineRiverRoofsUrban

Look for a large gull with long, pale legs and a very flat crown. Its beady dark eye is a key identification feature.

Caspian Gull
Stats
Wingspan137–155 cm
Weight700–1500 g
Length56–68 cm
Lifespan wild10–25 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size2–3 eggs
Incubation27–30 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

🦴Carrion
🥚Eggs
🐟Fish
🍕Human food
🦗Insects
🐭Mammals

Habitat

🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🏞️ River🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

For a long time, Caspian Gull was treated as part of the large Herring Gull complex. It was later recognised as a distinct species based on a combination of differences in morphology, vocalisations, behaviour, and genetic data. Today it is known as a highly adaptable gull that breeds in both inland wetlands and coastal areas.

About

A large gull that has expanded from the Black and Caspian Sea regions into Western Europe. It is similar to the Herring Gull but has a more 'elegant' look. It has a flatter forehead, a longer bill, and longer legs. It lives near large rivers and coastal areas. It is often found in mixed flocks with other gulls in winter.

Behaviour

Caspian Gulls are often more predatory than Herring Gulls. They frequently take small mammals or other birds. Their 'long call' display is dramatic; they hold their wings wide and throw their head back. They are identified by a 'pear-shaped' head and a dark, 'beady' eye.

Similar species

European Herring Gull
🐦
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
Yellow-legged Gull
🐦
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellis
Lesser Black-backed Gull
🐦
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
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