Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The Black-headed Gull is a Eurasian gull and a rare but regular visitor to the northeastern United States. Its head is dark brown rather than black in , and winter adults have a white head with a dark ear spot. It often joins flocks of Bonaparte’s Gulls (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) or Ring-billed Gulls.

Appearance

Appearance: Adults are 14.6–16.9 in (37–43 cm) long. Breeding birds have a dark brown hood, pale gray back, white body, and dark red bill and legs; winter birds have a white head with a dark ear spot. A bold white leading edge shows on the wing in every plumage.

Look-alikes

Bonaparte’s GullChroicocephalus philadelphia

In nonbreeding plumage, look for the Black-headed Gull’s red bill, dark red legs, and more extensive black on the underwing. A Bonaparte’s Gull has a black bill and pinkish legs.

Why they get mixed upBoth are small, pale-backed gulls with a dark ear spot in winter.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: ponds and lakes
estuaries and beaches
farm fields and city parks
Range: It is widespread across Eurasia and occurs in North America mainly as a scarce visitor. In the United States, most reports come from the Northeast.
Seasonal presence: It is a rare but regular in northeastern North America.
When it’s recorded: Recorded year-round, every year
298 observations in the US · 10 years · for reference

Behavior

Diet: This opportunistic eats earthworms, insects, fish, fruit, seeds, and human food scraps.
Social life: It walks to pick up food, feeds on water, and gathers in flocks outside the breeding season.

Life cycle

Breeding season: Most U.S. sightings are winter visitors rather than local breeders.
Nest: Pairs usually nest on the ground in low vegetation near calm, shallow water. Both adults build a coarse cup of reeds and other plants.
Clutch size: 1–4 eggs
Incubation: Both adults keep the eggs warm for 22–26 days.

Name and classification

About the name: It was formerly known as Larus ridibundus.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

9 sources