Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus)
Little Gull

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

The little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus, is a diminutive member of the Laridae family, distinguished as the smallest gull species worldwide. It is the sole representative of the monospecific genus Hydrocoloeus.

Identification Tips

Adults in breeding attire sport a striking black hood, complemented by a dark red bill and vivid red legs, with a subtle rosy blush gracing the underside. In contrast, their non-breeding plumage features a black cap with an ear spot, a black bill, and more subdued red legs. Across all plumages, a pale grey back and upperwings are present, with white primaries that starkly contrast the dark grey underwing. Juveniles are marked by extensive blackish areas on the back and head, and in flight, they exhibit a dark "W" pattern on the upperwings against white underwings. By their first winter, they resemble adults but retain the distinctive upperwing pattern, which gradually fades by the second year.

Habitat

The little gull favors nesting amidst dense vegetation in shallow freshwater environments, such as rivers, marshes, and bogs, occasionally venturing to coastal lagoons or brackish waters. During migration, they are typically found along coastlines but may venture inland. Wintering habitats include coastal areas with sandy or muddy substrates, river mouths, and even open sea, often drawn to sewage outfalls.

Distribution

This gull has a broad Palearctic range, breeding from northern Scandinavia to eastern Siberia, with colonies also in North America around the Great Lakes. It migrates to winter along European coasts, reaching as far south as the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas, and is less common in the western Pacific. In North America, small numbers winter along the Atlantic coast down to the Carolinas. Notably, non-breeding birds have been summering in western Europe in increasing numbers.

Behaviour

The little gull is migratory, arriving at breeding sites from late April to late May and departing from mid-July. Egg-laying commences in mid-June. They often nest in mixed colonies with other gulls and terns, though some pairs nest solitarily. Outside breeding areas, they are sociable, forming large flocks that can number in the thousands, especially when inclement weather drives them to sheltered waters. Nests are built on the ground or floating on vegetation in the water.

Diet and Feeding

During the breeding season, these birds primarily consume insects caught on the wing near water surfaces. In winter, their diet shifts to small fish and marine invertebrates.

Conservation status

The little gull is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Little Gull Fun Facts

Did you know?
Like its name suggest the Little Gull is the smallest gull species in the world.

Little Gulls on Birda

Sightings

More Gulls, Terns, Skimmers

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.