Little Gull
Least ConcernHydrocoloeus minutus
Visual Identification
Little Gull
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.
Size
Length
25cm to 30cm
Wingspan
61cm to 78cm
Weight
68g to 162g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black Red
Leg Colour
Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Vocalisation
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.
Lifespan
years
The Little Gull typically lives for 11 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Little Mew Gull
Family:
LaridaePredators
Main predators include larger gulls, raptors such as Peregrine Falcons, and mammals like foxes and minks that may raid nesting sites.
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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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Hydrocoloeus minutus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22694469A132554081.
View source - 2 3
report, 2006: Delany & Scott