Hydrocoloeus minutus
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.
Length
25cm to 30cm
Wingspan
61cm to 78cm
Weight
68g to 162g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black Red
Leg Colour
Red
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
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:
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