Latin name

Larus glaucoides

Family

Gulls (Laridae)

Overview

A medium-size gull, smaller than most herring gulls. It has a rounded head and smallish beak, giving it a dove-like expression. It has very pale plumage and white wing tips, and, like the glaucous gull, it is sometimes referred to as a 'white-winged' gull. It is a winter visitor, with small numbers of birds, usually seen singly. It breeds in the Arctic and winters as far south as New York and Britain.

Where to see them

It may be seen almost anywhere around the coast, especially in the west. Shetland in the winter can be a good place. Birds will also occasionally be seen inland at large gull roosts on reservoirs and at rubbish tips.

When to see them

Winter

What they eat

Fish - alive or as carrion.

Estimated numbers

* 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.

2 illustrations 12

First winter

Adult male first winter

Similar birds

Glaucous gull