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Latin name

Larus minutus

Family

Gulls (Laridae)

Overview

A small, dainty gull. Adults in summer have black heads, while young birds have a black mark on each wing which forms a 'W' pattern. In flight adults show a pale grey upperwing, with no black wingtips, and a very dark grey underwing.

Where to see them

Seen around UK coasts from July to April. In late summer and autumn birds are largely seen between Tayside and Yorkshire, with smaller numbers further south. In spring birds can be seen around the Irish Sea with concentrations in places like the Alt estuary.

When to see them

Between July and April, with the largest numbers in spring and late summer/autumn.

What they eat

Insects

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.

Distribution

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

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)

3 illustrations 123

Little gull - breeding plumage

Juvenile in flight

Adult winter

Similar birds

Kittiwake

Mediterranean Gull