Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
Species
Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus). Taken at Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk, on June 9th 2018.
Taken at Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk, on June 9th 2018.
(1/2000th sec at f14. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

L: 37 - 40 cm; WS: 94 - 102 cm

The Mediterranean Gull is slightly larger than the Black-headed Gull. The adult has all-white flight feathers, scarlet bill and legs. Three age groups can normally be identified.

It is mostly found on the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, but is increasingly being found in the UK.

Most of the breeding population in the UK nest within Black-headed Gull colonies at coastal wetlands.

There are around 600 breeding pairs in the UK, and 1800 birds may spend the winter here. It is an Amber list species.

Sightings

05-Feb-2020 : Holkham NNR, Norfolk (1)
03-Feb-2020 : Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk (1)

05-Oct-2019 : Cley Marshes, Norfolk (2+)

09-Jun-2018 : Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk (4)

06-Nov-2016 : La Janda, Spain (4)

01-May-2013 : The Camargue, France