Belongs to: gulls

Compare with: black-headed gull

Mediterranean gull Larus melanocephalus

Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List


Best time to see:

Key facts

Very pale gull with red legs and heavily built bill

Habitat: freshwater marshes, sea, estuaries and shores

Resident in UK although in small numbers; most common in S. E. Europe

Recognition

Pale grey and white plumage, black head, large droopy red bill, red legs; no black in wings

Often seen amongst flocks of other gulls

Eats fish and invertebrates

Lifecycle

Nest is a lined hollow near water

1 Brood May to June; 3 creamy eggs spotted black

  • Main photo

Photo © Robin Chittenden