14 recent observations
Brief #
White leading edge to the wing is a good field mark. Summer adult has a chocolate-brown head.
Description #
In flight, the white leading edge to the wing is a good field mark. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown head (not black, although does look black from a distance), pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers, and red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just two dark spots. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body, and a black band on the tail. There is no difference in plumage between the sexes. Black-headed has pale underwings, while breeding Little Gulls have dark underwings outlined with a white trailing edge.
Measurements #
Length: 37 - 44 cm
Wingspan: 0.94 - 1.1 m
Weight: 190 - 400 g
Gallery #
