Birds and wildlife

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundusGroup: Gulls and ternsUK Conservation status:Amber

How to identify

Not really a black-headed bird, the Black-headed Gull's head is more chocolate-brown. In fact, for much of the year, it has a white head. It's most commonly found 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.

Call

Black-headed Gull

Patrik Åberg / xeno-canto

An adult Black Headed Gull moulting into summer plumage perched on railings
Gulls and the law: What to do if gulls nest on your roof

Did you know that there is more than one type of ‘seagull’? In fact, there are around 50 species worldwide and six types which commonly breed in the UK! Perhaps you have that noticed that not all of them are seen by the sea? 

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

Nesting

These dainty gulls nest in tightly packed colonies, where safety in numbers gives the best chance for their chicks’ survival. Breeding birds can be seen on both inland freshwater and coastal waters. Look out for Black-headed Gulls near estuaries, reedbeds, gravel pits and the sea.

Key facts