The RSPB: Mediterranean gull

Mediterranean gull

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Latin name

Larus melanocephalus

Family

Gulls (Laridae)

Overview

Slightly larger than a black-headed gull, with an all-black head in the breeding season. Adults have white wing-tips and underwings, younger birds have more wing markings. It has a large, slightly drooped beak, bright red when adult. A very rare UK bird until the 1950s, it is widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. Its present UK breeding population makes it an Amber List species.

Where to see them

Mainly found along the east and south coasts of England. It usually breeds within black-headed gull colonies at coastal wetlands and in winter birds are frequently found along the Kent coast.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects, fish, offal and carrion.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	110 pairs	-	-

* 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

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)