What do black-headed gulls feed on?

How did the black-headed gull get its name?

The species-specific part of the black-headed gull’s Latin name, Chroicocephalus ridibundus, means ‘laughing ‘ and comes from its ‘ke-ke-ke’ and ‘kverarrr’ calls. As a charity we rely on memberships. They help us look after over 2,300 nature reserves and protect the animals that call them home.

What is the habitat of a black headed gull?

The black-headed gull is a familiar sight on farmland, wetland and coastal habitats throughout the UK. It nests on saltmarshes and on islands in flooded gravel pits and reservoirs, and sometimes forms very large, noisy colonies. There are about 140,000 breeding pairs in the UK and about 2.2 million wintering birds each year.

How can you tell a gull apart from other gulls?

Adults are easily told apart from other common gull species by the thick white leading edge to outer wing, which can be seen at some distance. A blackish area bordering the white leading edge of the underwing is also evident.

What color is a black headed seagull’s head?

During the breeding season, the head of a black-headed seagull turns dark chocolate brown and in winter they turn white to dark brown in color. The black-headed gull has a dark red bill and legs with variations.

What does a gull look like with a thin bill?

Fairly small Eurasian gull with a thin bill. Breeding adults have a dark brown partial hood and white eye arcs. A Eurasian gull that breeds along lakes, rivers, bogs, moors, grasslands, swamps, and coastal marshes. Nonbreeding adults have dark smudging above and behind the eye and a dusky-tipped red bill.

What is the scientific name for a Gulls head?

As is the case with many gulls, it was previously placed in the genus Larus . The genus name Chroicocephalus is from Ancient Greek khroizo, “to colour”, and kephale, “head”. The specific ridibundus is Latin for “laughing”, from ridere “to laugh”.

What is a black-headed gull?

The black-headed gull ( Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small gull that breeds in much of the Palearctic including Europe and also in coastal eastern Canada. Most of the population is migratory and winters further south, but some birds reside in the milder westernmost areas of Europe.

What kind of bird has two spots on its head?

A Eurasian gull that breeds along lakes, rivers, bogs, moors, grasslands, swamps, and coastal marshes. Nonbreeding adults have dark smudging above and behind the eye and a dusky-tipped red bill. Fairly small gull of the Old World. Immatures have two smudgy spots on the head, one above the eye and one behind the eye.

Where do black-headed gulls live?

Black-headed gulls breed in much of Europe, Asia, and in coastal eastern Canada. Most of their populations are migratory and winter further south, but some birds reside in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. Some Black-headed gulls also spend the winter in northeastern North America.

What do black headed gulls do during the day?

Black-headed gulls are highly gregarious birds, both when feeding or in evening roosts; they also breed in colonies. They are rarely seen at sea far from coasts. Black-headed gulls are active during the day and feed mainly by taking prey from the surface while swimming, or by dipping the head under the surface.

What kind of bird is a gray gull?

Gulls are birds that belong to the Laridae family. Initially, most of the species were included under the genus Larus. However, several species have been placed under other genera. The characteristic features of these white or gray-colored birds include webbed feet, long bill, black markings on the head or the wings.

What are the characteristics of a medium sized gull?

Medium sized and fairly slender gull. Immatures have dark-tipped primary feathers and two smudgy spots on the head, one above the eye and one behind the eye. Note white on the leading edge of the wing. Juveniles are mottled brown, gray, and white. Note dark tail tip, pale bill, and white leading edge on the wing.

How old do black-headed gulls get?

First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings, and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood. Like most gulls, black-headed gulls are long-lived birds, with a maximum age of at least 32.9 years recorded in the wild, in addition to an anecdote now believed of dubious authenticity regarding a 63-year-old bird.

What are the UK’s most common breeding gull species?

The kittiwake, with more than a third of a million pairs is the most numerous of all the UK gull species. Herring, lesser black-backed and black-headed gulls each have in excess of 100,000 breeding pairs, while the others have significantly smaller populations. All seven breeding gull species are birds of conservation concern.

What time of day do black headed gulls come out in winter?

They can start heading back an hour or so before sunset because they like to be back by nightfall. Many gulls will move inland in winter but black-headed gulls are the most common away from the coast. They will often head towards inland lakes and reservoirs at dusk.

What do black-headed gulls do?

Black-headed gulls are active during the day and feed mainly by taking prey from the surface while swimming, or by dipping the head under the surface. They also walk along the coasts and probe for aquatic prey or catch flying insects on the wing. Black-headed birds are noisy, especially in colonies, with a familiar “kree-ar” call.

What kind of bird has a dark gray tail?

Dark gray tail has white undertail coverts. Common Crane: Large wading bird, gray overall with a black face, chin, throat and neck; shows a patch of bare red skin on crown. Broad white stripe extends from behind eye down back of neck. Black flight feathers and short tail are visible in flight. Bill is dull yellow and legs and feet are black.

Are gulls difficult to identify?

Despite being large, relatively bold, and conspicuous, gulls are considered one of the most difficult groups of birds to confi- dently identify. By familiarizing yourself with the key field-marks and habits that separate each gull species from another, you will eventually be able to identify the majority of gulls that you encounter in the field.

What is the size of a small Seagull?

This small gull has an adult body that is roughly 17 inches (45 cm) in length with a wingspan of 35-40 inches (90-100 cm). This gull has a dark gray to black head and bill, a white neck, gray body and wings, and bright orange-red legs and feet. It is one of the few gulls that prefers to nest in trees during mating season.

What does a Franklin’s gull look like?

The Franklin’s Gull (named after the Artic explorer Sir John Franklin) is a small gull that is roughly 13-14 inches (33-36cm) in length with a 35-41 inch (89-105 cm) wingspan. Their head is black with a distinctive small white ring around the eyes. The bill is orange with a black spot near the tip.