Latin name

Larus melanocephalus

Family

(Laridae)

Overview

Slightly larger than a black-headed gull, with an all-black head in the breeding season. Adults have white wing-tips and underwings, younger birds have more wing markings. It has a large, slightly drooped beak, bright red when adult. A very rare UK bird until the 1950s, it is widespread in winter and breeding in ever increasing numbers. Its present UK breeding population makes it an Amber List species.

Where to see them

Mainly found along the east and south coasts of England. It usually breeds within black-headed gull colonies at coastal wetlands and in winter birds are frequently found along the Kent coast.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects, fish, offal and carrion.

This text was provided with kind permission from the RSPB www.rspb.org.uk