Little Gull
ExploreBirds
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutus
The Little Gull is a small, graceful bird that loves to fly over water. It has a pretty black head and white body, making it easy to spot while it glides and dives for food.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Little Gull is the smallest gull species, featuring a delicate build and rounded wings. Adults in breeding plumage have a distinctive entirely black head, blood-red legs, and a small dark bill. Its unique smoky-grey underwings contrast sharply with its white body, making it easily identifiable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusHydrocoloeus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Sometimes they join huge flocks of other birds to hunt for insects!
The Little Gull is the smallest gull in the entire world!
They often hunt by dipping their head under the water's surface while flying!
Young Little Gulls have a distinctive black 'W' pattern across their wings!
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Acrobat
Little Gulls can swiftly catch insects in mid-air because of their agile flight and pointed wings.
Ability
Surface Skimmer
Little Gulls can snatch tiny prey from the water's surface that helps them find food without diving deep.
Ability
Long-Distance Traveler
Little Gulls have strong wings and an efficient flight style that helps them migrate thousands of kilometers.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 25-27 cm
- Wingspan
- 60-70 cm
- Weight
- 0.06-0.16 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 45 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-4
- Incubation
- 22-24 days
- Migration Distance
- 4000 km
Diet & Feeding
They feast on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, snatching them from water.
Age differences: Young birds consume mainly insects, while adults have a more varied diet.
Primary Foods
- Small fish
- Aquatic insects
- Crustaceans
- Marine worms
- Insect larvae
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinus
Larger gulls prey on smaller ones.
eaten by
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Hunts gulls in its territory.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Preys on eggs and chicks.
depends on
Water Flea
Daphnia magna
A key food source for gulls.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Filter Feeder
Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Little Gull?
25-27 cm
What is Little Gull's wingspan?
60-70 cm
How much does Little Gull weigh?
0.06-0.16 kg
How long does Little Gull live?
5-10 years
How fast can Little Gull move?
45 km/h
What does Little Gull eat?
They feast on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, snatching them from water.
Where is Little Gull usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Little Gull hunt?
Foraging
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