Black-headed GullChroicocephalus ridibundusWhere and when to see them

The Black-headed Gull is a small, sociable gull found across much of Europe and Asia. Despite its name, its breeding hood is dark chocolate-brown rather than black. Outside the breeding season, its head becomes mostly white, with a conspicuous dark spot behind each eye. It is familiar along rivers, lakes, farmland and coasts, often gathering in noisy flocks. Its adaptable feeding habits allow it to use both natural wetlands and human-modified landscapes.

Size

Approximately 37–43 cm long, with a wingspan of 94–110 cm.

Weight

Approximately 200–400 g.

Lifespan

Can live for more than 30 years, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Black-headed Gulls are highly social and often feed, rest and roost in flocks. They breed in colonies, usually on islands, marshy ground or floating vegetation near water. Both parents incubate the eggs and help feed the chicks. Adults defend the immediate area around their nests and may mob potential predators. Away from breeding colonies, they frequently mix with other gull species. Their movements vary between populations, with some birds remaining relatively local and others migrating substantial distances. They use sharp, rasping calls to communicate and often become especially vocal during disputes over food.

• Its breeding hood is chocolate-brown, not truly black.
• The name ridibundus refers to laughing, echoing its raucous calls.
• Its white leading edge to the outer wing is a useful flight identification feature.
• Ringed individuals have survived for more than 30 years.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species uses a broad range of freshwater, coastal and agricultural habitats. Breeding colonies are commonly associated with shallow lakes, reed-fringed wetlands, marshes and sheltered islands. Outside the breeding season, birds also frequent river channels, estuaries, reservoirs, flooded fields and urban waterfronts. The Rhine, Saône and Seine corridors offer suitable feeding and resting places, particularly where open water lies close to wetlands or farmland. Along the Douro, the species is especially associated with the non-breeding season, including the estuary and other suitable waterside areas.

Black-headed Gulls eat insects, earthworms, small fish, crustaceans and other available invertebrates. They take food from the water surface, pick prey from mud or soil and sometimes catch insects in flight. Flocks may follow agricultural machinery to collect animals exposed by cultivation. They also scavenge discarded food, although this should not be encouraged by visitors.

Common name

Black-headed Gull

Scientific name

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Animal group

Birds

Size

Approximately 37–43 cm long, with a wingspan of 94–110 cm.

Weight

Approximately 200–400 g.

Lifespan

Can live for more than 30 years, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Adults have a pale grey back, white underparts and black markings on the outer wings, with a conspicuous white leading edge visible in flight. In breeding plumage, the dark brown hood contrasts with reddish legs and a dark red bill. In non-breeding plumage, the head is mostly white with a dark ear spot, while the bill often shows a dark tip. Young birds have brown-marked upperparts and a dark tail band, unlike the cleaner grey-and-white adults.