ExploreBirds

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

The Black-headed Gull is a playful bird often seen near water. It has a striking black head in summer and a cheerful white body. These gulls love to dive for food and can be very curious!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Black-headed Gull is a medium-sized gull with a distinctive chocolate-brown head in summer, which turns white with a dark spot behind the eye in winter. It has a white body, pale grey wings with black wingtips, and striking red legs and beak.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusChroicocephalus
Black-headed Gull
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Black-headed Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

18

Interesting facts

A Black-headed Gull was once recorded living for over 32 years!

These gulls' 'black' heads are actually dark chocolate brown, not truly black!

They are known to follow farmers' ploughs to feast on freshly exposed grubs.

They often stamp their feet on the ground to make worms come to the surface!

Special abilities

Ability

Diet Dynamo

Black-headed Gulls can eat almost anything because of their highly adaptable diet that helps them thrive in many environments.

Ability

Flocking Forager

Black-headed Gulls have excellent group foraging skills that help them find food efficiently in large colonies.

Ability

Winged Wonder

Black-headed Gulls can fly with impressive agility and speed because of their streamlined bodies and strong wings.

Ability

Seasonal Style

Black-headed Gulls have a unique head plumage change that helps them blend in differently during summer and winter.

Measurements & details

Length
37-44 cm
Wingspan
90-105 cm
Weight
0.195-0.4 kg
Lifespan
5-20 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
2-3
Incubation
22-26 days
Migration Distance
2500 km

Diet & Feeding

This adaptable bird eats nearly everything, from tiny insects to human leftovers!

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Earthworms
  • Small fish
  • Carrion
  • Seeds
  • Food scraps

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Searches for them in soft ground.

hunts

European Perch

Perca fluviatilis

Catches small fish near the water surface.

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Fast raptors can hunt adult gulls.

hunts

House Mouse

Mus musculus

Occasionally preys on small rodents.

depends on

Humans

Homo sapiens

Often scavenges food waste from human activity.

Traits

Also known as

Common Black-headed Gull

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch these birds from a distance and don't feed them, as they can get too close!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Black-headed Gull?

The easiest way to identify Black-headed Gull is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Black-headed Gull?

37-44 cm

What is Black-headed Gull's wingspan?

90-105 cm

How much does Black-headed Gull weigh?

0.195-0.4 kg

How long does Black-headed Gull live?

5-20 years

How fast can Black-headed Gull move?

50 km/h

What does Black-headed Gull eat?

This adaptable bird eats nearly everything, from tiny insects to human leftovers!

Where is Black-headed Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

Snap Map

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