Species Profile

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

10–15 years^[3]

Length

38–44 cm

Weight

200–400 g

Wingspan

94–105 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

Known for its distinctive chocolate-brown hood during breeding season, this coastal character transforms beaches and lakes into lively gathering spots.

Also known as: Common Black-headed Gull

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Gallery

Black-headed Gull in alternative plumage

Appearance

The Black-headed Gull exhibits a striking seasonal transformation. In summer, it sports a dark chocolate-brown hood, contrasting sharply with its white body, pale grey wings, bright red bill and legs. The wingtips are black, creating a distinctive pattern in flight.

The dark hood disappears during winter, replaced by a white head with a dark ear spot. Juveniles have brown-mottled wings and a dark terminal tail band, gradually acquiring adult plumage over several years.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Secondary: Black
Beak: Red
Legs: Red

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability90/100

Aggression70/100

Endurance75/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Black-headed Gulls are widely distributed across Europe and Asia, with some populations in eastern North America. They thrive in various aquatic habitats, including coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, and rivers. During the breeding season, they prefer inland freshwater bodies.

In winter, many birds move to coastal regions, with significant populations in the UK, Ireland, and other parts of Western Europe. They've also adapted well to urban environments, becoming common in city parks and harbors.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

United Kingdom

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

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Diet

Black-headed Gulls are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet. They consume small fish, insects, worms, and crustaceans, often following ploughs to catch invertebrates.

In urban areas, they readily scavenge human food waste, demonstrating their adaptability to various food sources.

Behaviour

Black-headed Gulls are highly social, often seen in large, noisy flocks. They exhibit remarkable agility in flight, skilfully catching insects mid-air or plucking food from the water's surface.

These adaptable birds have also become adept at urban foraging, frequenting parks and scavenging from human food sources.

Calls & Sounds

Black-headed Gulls are vocal birds, known for their raucous 'kree-ar' call, often heard in large breeding colonies.

They also produce various other sounds, including a sharp 'kek-kek-kek' alarm call and softer 'mewing' notes during courtship and pair bonding.

Nesting & Breeding

Black-headed Gulls typically breed in large, noisy colonies from April to July. Courtship involves elaborate displays, including head-bobbing and mewing calls. Pairs often reunite in subsequent breeding seasons.

Nests are built on the ground near water, constructed from vegetation and lined with softer materials. Females lay 2-3 olive-brown eggs with dark splotches, well-camouflaged against predators.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 23-26 days. Chicks fledge after 35-40 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks, learning crucial foraging skills.

Conservation

While currently listed as Least Concern, Black-headed Gulls face threats from habitat loss, particularly in coastal breeding areas. Climate change and pollution also pose risks.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and managing urban interactions to ensure population stability.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 4,800,000 - 8,900,000 mature individuals^[2]

Trend: Unknown

Elevation

Up to 1,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include large birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Great Black-backed Gulls, as well as foxes and rats that may raid nests.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for large flocks in coastal areas, especially during winter
In urban areas, check parks and waterbodies for these adaptable gulls
Listen for their distinctive 'kree-ar' call, especially in breeding colonies
Observe their agile flight and feeding behavior over water

Did You Know?

Despite their name, Black-headed Gulls actually have chocolate-brown heads during the breeding season.
They can drink fresh and salt water, thanks to special glands that excrete excess salt.
These gulls have been observed 'paddling' their feet on the ground to imitate rainfall and bring worms to the surface.