Key information
The Mediterranean gull is slightly larger than a black-headed gull, with an all-black head in the breeding season. Adults have white wing-tips and underwings, and the 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. It is a Schedule 1 listed bird of The Wildlife and Countryside Act.
What they eat:
Insects, fish, offal and carrion.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 36-38cm
- Wingspan:
- 92-100cm
- Weight:
- 230-280g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 600-630 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 1,800 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Mediterranean gull (summer plumage)
Mediterranean gull (adult winter plumage)
Mediterranean gull (first-winter plumage)
