Black Headed Gull
Buckpool and Fens Pool Local Nature Reserve
What3Words
///thin.spill.bravo
The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a common and widespread small gull species found across Europe and Asia, known for its adaptability and "laughing" call.
Appearance: Despite its name, the breeding adult has a dark chocolate-brown hood in the summer, which often appears black from a distance. For the rest of the year (winter plumage), the head is white with just a dark smudge or spot near the ear coverts, which can look like it is wearing headphones. The body is pale grey above and white below, with black wingtips, and a distinctive white leading edge on the outer wing, especially visible in flight. Adults have dark red legs and a dark red bill.
Size: It is a relatively small gull, measuring about 34–39 cm (13.5–15.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 100–110 cm (39–43.5 in).
Black Headed Gull
Buckpool and Fens Pool Local Nature Reserve
What3Words
///thin.spill.bravo
The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a common and widespread small gull species found across Europe and Asia, known for its adaptability and "laughing" call.
Appearance: Despite its name, the breeding adult has a dark chocolate-brown hood in the summer, which often appears black from a distance. For the rest of the year (winter plumage), the head is white with just a dark smudge or spot near the ear coverts, which can look like it is wearing headphones. The body is pale grey above and white below, with black wingtips, and a distinctive white leading edge on the outer wing, especially visible in flight. Adults have dark red legs and a dark red bill.
Size: It is a relatively small gull, measuring about 34–39 cm (13.5–15.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 100–110 cm (39–43.5 in).