Black-headed gull

The black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) is somewhat mis-named, because its head is much more chocolate-brown than black, and in winter it is not even that. However, the head colouring does make it one of the most distinctive seabirds to be seen on the British coast. It is widespread throughout Europe.

It is also not really accurate to describe it as a seabird, as it is also the commonest “inland” gull, especially in northern England, Wales and Scotland. Many individuals never see the sea throughout their lives. Habitats include gravel pits, moorland bogs, lakes and rivers, and they roam widely over the countryside, often being found on landfill sites in large flocks. They are also common in towns and cities. They can become quite tame in that they will approach people for scraps of food.


Appearance and behaviour

The black-headed gull is one of the smaller gulls, at around 37 centimetres (14.5 inches) long. It has a slim build, rounded head and tail, narrow pointed wings and a thin bill. It is mainly white in colour, with bluish-grey wings that have a white leading edge and black tips. The “black” head, or rather the front part of the head, is white in winter with just a couple of dark smudges. The bill and legs are dark red. Males and females have similar plumage.

The flight is buoyant with fast beats, soaring and gliding. Inland it will follow the plough in flight or walk across the fields.


Breeding

Black-headed gulls winter on lakes and rivers (often on ornamental lakes in towns) and pair up before flying to their breeding grounds, which may or may not be on the coast, in March and April. They are colonial when breeding, often in groups of up to a thousand birds. These colonies can be very noisy places!

The nest, made from grass or reeds, is built by both birds, often on small islands or even as a floating structure. Three eggs is the usual clutch, and these are incubated by both partners for up to 23 days. The offspring will stay in the nest for several days, but if they are disturbed may well abandon the nest and hide in nearby undergrowth or escape by swimming.

Food is brought to the nest by the male, but he often passes it to the female who then distributes it to the chicks. The food is quite varied, including worms, insects, molluscs, invertebrates, small vertebrates, fish, frogs, seeds, and even carrion.

The young are ready to fly at five to six weeks, at which they form flocks with other families. Only one brood is raised in a season.

© John Welford