Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutus
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Little 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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Little Gull demonstrates remarkable agility with its tern-like flight, quick and buoyant wing beats, and ability to hover and plunge-dive for food. Its adept aerial manoeuvres, including catching insects mid-flight, indicate high agility for its size.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As the world's smallest gull species, the Little Gull has limited strength compared to larger birds. Its size range of 25-30 cm in length and weight of 68-162 grams suggests modest physical power, though sufficient for its lifestyle.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Little Gulls show good adaptability by inhabiting various environments from freshwater marshes to coastal areas, adjusting their diet to available food sources, and migrating long distances. Their ability to breed in mixed colonies also demonstrates adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While generally not overly aggressive, Little Gulls become territorial during breeding season and will mob potential predators near their nests. This seasonal increase in assertiveness balances their typically non-confrontational nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Little Gull's long-distance migratory behaviour and ability to traverse both coastal and inland habitats suggest good endurance. Their capacity to feed in flocks and engage in energetic feeding behaviours like plunge-diving also indicates respectable stamina for their size.
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.
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
Predators
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.
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
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