Gull, Common Black-headed

Conservation status:

Winter Visitor

Description:

Medium-small gull, told (except from Slender-billed) by broad white leading edge of primaries, contrasting below with dark grey remaining primaries. In summer, has dark brown hood; in winter, head white with black spot on ear-coverts and, often, vague bar from eye over crown and from ear-covers over nape. See Slender-billed for separation. Juvenile and 1st winter have adult primary-pattern; told from similar Slender-billed (which see) by slightly smaller size, shorter bill with darker tip, shorter neck, less bulky breast, more distinct markings on head and always dark eye. Flight light and buoyant.