Latin name

Larus minutus

Family

Gulls (Laridae)

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

Population

Little gull (first-winter)

• Size: between blackbird-pigeon
• Feather colours: black, white, grey
• Beak colours: black/dark grey
• Beak length: medium
• Beak thickness: medium
• Leg colour: brown, red
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, catches insects in flight

Little gull (adult breeding)

• Size: between blackbird-pigeon
• Feather colours: black, white, grey, pink/purple
• Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, red/pink
• Beak length: medium
• Beak thickness: medium
• Leg colour: brown, red
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, catches insects in flight

Little gull (adult winter)

• Size: between blackbird-pigeon
• Feather colours: black, white, grey
• Beak colours: black/dark grey
• Beak length: medium
• Beak thickness: medium
• Leg colour: brown, red
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, catches insects in flight

• 
  Kittiwake
• 
  Mediterranean gull