Mediterranean Gull

Larus melanocephalus

Despite its name, the Mediterranean gull is not limited to coastal waters of southern Europe, and is widespread on the Atlantic and Black Sea coasts, as well as in coastal regions and inland reservoirs of England and Wales.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Mediterranean Gull is a medium-sized gull with a distinctive black head during breeding season. Its body is predominantly white, with pale grey wings and a striking red bill and legs. The wingtips are white, lacking the black markings typical of many other gull species.

In winter, adults lose their black hood, retaining only a dark smudge behind the eye. The beak also becomes a less vibrant shade of dull orange. Males and females are similar in appearance and size.

Juveniles have brown markings on their wings and backs, greyish legs and bill, and gradually moult to adult plumage over three years.

Size

Length

37cm to 40cm

Wingspan

94cm to 102cm

Weight

220g to 350g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

White Black

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Red

Leg Colour

Red

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Mediterranean Gull can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Mediterranean Gull can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Mediterranean Gull is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Mediterranean Gulls primarily inhabit coastal areas, including beaches, estuaries, and lagoons. They breed mainly in southern and eastern Europe, with populations expanding northward in recent decades. During winter, they disperse along coasts from the North Sea to the Mediterranean.

In the UK, they are increasingly common along the southeast coast, particularly in Kent and Sussex and the east coast of Norfolk. Some individuals also venture inland to lakes and reservoirs, especially outside the breeding season.

Elevation Range

Up to 100 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Mediterranean

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Mediterranean 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