Black-headed Gull
NameBlack-headed Gull
Common NameBlack-headed Gull
Scientific NameChroicocephalus ridibundus
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)97.5
Length (cm)40.5
Weight (g)275
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, adults have a dark chocolate-brown head, white eye-crescents, a red bill, and red legs. The body is white, with a pale grey back and upperwings. The primary wingtips are black with white leading edges. In non-breeding plumage, the head is white with a dark spot behind the eye.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its noisy and varied calls, often described as a harsh 'kwa-kwa-kwa' or a laughing 'karr-karr-karr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal, urban, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of Europe and Asia, and also in coastal eastern Canada. Winters in southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
Identifying Featuresdark brown head (breeding plumage), red bill, red legs, pale grey back, white underparts, black primary wingtips with white leading edge
Description
A small to medium-sized gull, easily recognized by its dark chocolate-brown head in breeding plumage, contrasting with its pale grey back and white body. It is an opportunistic feeder, often found in coastal and inland wetland environments.
