Key information
Not really a black-headed bird, more chocolate-brown - in fact, for much of the year, it has a white head. It is most definitely not a 'seagull' and is found commonly 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.
What they eat:
Worms, insects, fish and carrion.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 34-37cm
- Wingspan:
- 100-110cm
- Weight:
- 200-400g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 140,000 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 2.2 million birds
- Europe:
- 130,000 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Black-headed gull (summer plumage)

Black-headed gull (winter plumage)
Black-headed gull (first-winter plumage)

Black-headed gull (juvenile)
