Species Profile
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutus
Little Gull
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
11–15 years
Length
25–30 cm
Weight
68–162 g
Wingspan
61–78 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Little Mew Gull
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Appearance
The Little Gull is the smallest gull species, with a pale grey back and wings, white underparts, and a black head during breeding season. Its wingtips are dark grey to black, lacking the white spots seen in other gull species. The feet are a deep red, and the eyes and bill are dark.
In winter, the black head fades to white with a dark ear spot. Juveniles have brown markings on their wings and back, gradually moulting to adult plumage over two years.
Female and male little gulls are alike in winter and summer plumage, but the sexes can be identified by size, as males are larger and slightly heavier than females.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Red
Attributes
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
Little Gulls breed in freshwater marshes and lakes across northern Europe and Asia. During winter, they migrate to coastal areas in western Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of North America.
In North America, they are regular visitors to the Great Lakes region and both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Sightings in the UK are most common during spring and autumn migrations along the east coast.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Rutland
East Riding of Yorkshire
Merseyside
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Stockton-on-Tees
Diet
Little Gulls primarily feed on insects, small fish, and marine invertebrates. They often catch flying insects (dragonflies and midges) in mid-air, especially during breeding season.
In coastal areas, they follow fishing boats to scavenge discarded fish, adapting their diet to available food sources.
Behaviour
Little Gulls often feed in flocks, picking food from the water's surface or plunge-diving for small fish. They are more tern-like in flight than other gulls, with quick, buoyant wing beats.
During the breeding season, they become territorial and may mob potential predators approaching their nesting sites.
Calls & Sounds
The Little Gull's call is a high-pitched, squeaky 'kek-kek-kek' or 'kyik-kyik-kyik'. During the breeding season, they produce a soft purring sound. Their vocalisations are generally quieter and less harsh than those of larger gull species, reflecting their diminutive size.
Nesting & Breeding
Little Gulls form breeding pairs in late spring, often in small colonies mixed with other tern or gull species. They prefer marshy areas with dense vegetation for nesting.
Nests are built on the ground, usually on floating vegetation or small islands, constructed from plant material. Females typically lay 2-3 olive-brown eggs with dark spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 23-25 days. Chicks fledge after 21-24 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Little Gulls face threats from habitat loss in their breeding areas and oil spills in their wintering grounds. Climate change may also affect their breeding success and distribution patterns. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and reducing marine pollution.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Little Gulls in coastal areas or large inland lakes, especially during migration.
- Observe their distinctive black underwings in flight, a key identifying feature.
- Watch for their tern-like feeding behaviour, hovering and dipping into the water.
- In North America, check for them among flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls.
Did You Know?
- The Little Gull is the world's smallest gull species.
- It's the only gull with dark underwings, a feature more common in terns.
- Despite its name, it's rarely seen in typical 'gull' urban environments.
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