The Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus): A Common Gull with a Changing Look
The Black-headed Gull in summer, easily recognized by its dark hood and slender red bill.
The Familiar Bird of Coasts and Cities
You've probably seen one of these during your strolls! The Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a seabird you simply can't overlook while wandering through Europe and Asia. Clever and adaptable, it seems to follow us everywhere—from the bustling seaside promenades to the tranquil ponds in city parks. But here's the fun part: people often confuse it with its much larger relative, the Herring Gull. Don’t be fooled by its "common bird" label, though—this little guy has some pretty impressive tricks that are definitely worth checking out!
How to Identify the Black-headed Gull
Identifying a Black-headed Gull depends heavily on the season, as its appearance changes dramatically between summer and winter.
In Summer (Breeding Plumage)
This is its most famous look: it sports a dark chocolate-brown hood (not truly black) that covers its entire head, similar in concept to the full cap of a Common Tern. Its body is pale grey, its slender bill is deep red, and its legs are the same color. It is a sleek, elegant bird, much smaller and more delicate than a typical large "seagull".
In Winter (Non-breeding Plumage)
In winter, the distinctive hood almost completely disappears. All that remains is a small, dark smudge or "headphone spot" behind the eye and some grey markings on the head. The bill becomes duller. Many people fail to recognize it in this plumage and assume it's a different species.
In winter, the Black-headed Gull loses its chocolate hood, making identification more subtle.
The Key Difference: Small Gull vs. Large 'Seagull'
The question "what's the difference between this gull and a big seagull?" is one of the most common in birdwatching. While they all belong to the same family (Laridae), they are quite distinct. The general rule is simple: large gulls like the Herring Gull are bigger, bulkier, and more powerful.
To end the "gull vs. seagull" confusion, here is a simple comparison table:
Feature
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull (a large 'seagull')
Size & Build
Small to medium, slender, and agile (34-37 cm)
Large, robust, and imposing (60-67 cm)
Bill
Thin, pointed, dark red color
Thick, powerful, yellow with a red spot
Behavior
Gregarious, light and quick flight
More solitary, predator-like, powerful flight
For a more detailed analysis of the Herring Gull, a fascinating bird in its own right, be sure to check out our dedicated page.
The Black-headed Gull is a noisy bird, especially in colonies. Its call is a harsh, descending "kree-arrr," often repeated in quick succession, which can sound like a mocking laugh from a distance. This is how it earned its scientific name *ridibundus*, which is Latin for "laughing". Listen for yourself:
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Expert Tips for Observing Black-headed Gulls
Observing the Black-headed Gull can be very rewarding due to its abundance and dynamic behavior. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:
Look Everywhere: Don't just stick to the coast. Check city parks with ponds, reservoirs, and freshly plowed fields, especially in winter. You’ll be surprised by their presence far from the sea.
Focus on the Head: This is the key to identification. In summer, look for the rich, chocolate-brown hood. In winter, train your eye to spot the tell-tale white head with the dark "headphone" smudge behind the eye.
Listen for the Laugh: Even if you can't see them well, their noisy, laughing "kree-arrr" calls are unmistakable and will help you locate them in a crowd of birds.
Observe Their Behavior: Watch them follow fishing boats, snatch discarded food in city squares, or perform agile aerial maneuvers to catch insects. Their opportunistic nature is fascinating to observe.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Black-headed Gull
What is the main difference between a Black-headed Gull and a large 'seagull'?
The simplest difference is size: a large gull like the Herring Gull is significantly bigger and more robust than the slender Black-headed Gull. The bill of a large gull is also thicker and more powerful, typically yellow with a red spot, whereas the Black-headed Gull has a thin, dark red bill.
What is the wingspan of a Black-headed Gull?
The wingspan of a Black-headed Gull is between 100-110 cm. This is considerably smaller than a Herring Gull, whose wingspan can reach 155 cm.
Why is it sometimes called a 'laughing' gull?
Its specific name, ridibundus, is Latin for "laughing". This is due to its raucous, harsh "kree-arrr" call which, especially in a colony, can sound like a mocking laugh.
Is the Black-headed Gull's hood always present?
No, the chocolate-brown hood is a feature of its summer breeding plumage. In winter, the head becomes white, leaving only a dark spot behind each eye.
The Black-headed Gull is an omnivorous and highly opportunistic feeder. Its diet consists of insects, earthworms, small fish, and crustaceans, but also human-generated waste in cities and landfills. This dietary flexibility is a key to its success.
Conservation Status
The Black-headed Gull is one of the most abundant and widespread members of the gull family. Thanks to its great adaptability, it is not considered a threatened species and is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN. Its populations are stable or slightly increasing in most regions.
