Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

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

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Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

38cm to 44cm

Wingspan

94cm to 105cm

Weight

200g to 400g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

White Grey

Secondary Colour

Black Brown

Beak Colour

Red

Leg Colour

Red

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Black-headed Gull can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Black-headed Gull can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Black-headed Gull can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Black-headed Gull is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Black-headed Gull. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons