Birds and wildlife

Mediterranean Gull

Larus melanocephalusGroup: Gulls and ternsUK Conservation status:Not assessed

How to identify

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 drooping beak, bright red in adults. A very rare UK bird until the 1950s, it's now 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.

Call

Mediterranean Gull

lars krogh / xeno-canto

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

Key facts