loading...
A photo of a Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)
Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull

Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

The Mediterranean gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) is a small gull. This gull breeds almost entirely in the Western Palearctic, mainly in the south east, especially around the Black Sea, and in central Turkey. There are colonies elsewhere in southern Europe, and this species has undergone a dramatic range expansion in recent decades. As is the case with many gulls, it has traditionally been placed in the genus Larus. The Mediterranean gull is slightly larger and bulkier than the black-headed gull with a heavier bill and longer, darker legs. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull, with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, parallel sided, dark red bill has a black subterminal band. The non breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. This bird takes two years to reach maturity. First year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings, but have pale underwings.
Birda logo
Download Birda for free and join the community of curious everyday people connecting with the natural world
Birda logo
Download Birda for free and join the community

Mediterranean Gulls on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Martin Pearman
Martin Pearman
Monday 25 Sep 2023 - 10:41am
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🕊
Jules T w
Sunday 24 Sep 2023 - 3:47pm
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Al McGrath & Teresa Kuempfel
Al McGrath & Teresa Kuempfel
Saturday 23 Sep 2023 - 3:30pm
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Dave Holt
Dave Holt
Saturday 23 Sep 2023 - 12:39pm
United Kingdom
Connect with nature,
Find your flock
Download Birda - QR Code
© 2023 All rights reserved