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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Looking out towards salt marsh and Morecombe Bay with black-headed gull, RSPB Leighton Moss reserve Adult breeding-plumaged black-headed gull Black-headed gull colony at the RSPB Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve
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Black-headed gull

Amber conservation status

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Latin name

Larus ridibundus

Family

Gulls (Laridae)

Overview

Not really a black-headed bird, more chocolate-brown - in fact, for much of the year, it has a white head. It is most definitely not a 'seagull' and is found commonly almost anywhere inland. Black-headed gulls are sociable, quarrelsome, noisy birds, usually seen in small groups or flocks, often gathering into larger parties where there is plenty of food, or when they are roosting.

Where to see them

The commonest inland gull, particularly in N England, Scotland and Wales. Large colonies along the south and east coasts of England.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Worms, insects, fish and carrion.

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-138,014 pairs1,697,797 birds-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK
Found UK-wide
In Europe
All except the most northerly parts
Worldwide
Europe and Asia (breeding); N and W African and Arabian coasts (winter)

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

  • Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

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4 illustrations

1234

Illustrations
Black-headed gull summer plumage

Summer plumage

Black-headed gull winter plumage

Winter plumage

Black-headed gull - first-winter

Black-headed gull - first-winter

Black-headed gull - juvenile

Black-headed gull - juvenile

Similar birds

Adult breeding-plumaged little gull (artwork)

Little gull

Adult breeding-plumaged Mediterranean gull (artwork)

Mediterranean gull

Help the Black-headed gull

Join today and help us continue our conservation work to keep these birds safe.

About the RSPB

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Latest news

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Plans to build an ‘Eco-town’ of 15,000 houses at Weston Otmoor, north of Oxford, have been slammed by Europe’s largest conservation charity, the RSPB.

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The RSPB believes hundreds of seabirds have died so far this summer after becoming entangled in fishing nets set for salmon and sea trout in Filey Bay, North Yorkshire.

Golden eagle killing thwarts bird's recovery

The Golden Eagle Framework, published today by Scottish Natural Heritage, proves relentless persecution is halting this magnificent bird of prey’s recovery in Scotland and is thwarting the bird’s return to northern England.

More news...

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 14/06/2008 01:05:04
Show/hide picture credits
Looking out towards salt marsh and Morecombe Bay with black-headed gull, RSPB Leighton Moss reserve - RSPB Images - Ben Hall (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_20811_0031 )
Adult breeding-plumaged black-headed gull - Steve Round
Black-headed gull colony at the RSPB Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com, Ref: 6147100-00002-002)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)