Laughing Gull vs Mediterranean Gull

Larus atricilla compared with Larus melanocephalus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Laughing Gull Mediterranean Gull
Scientific Name Larus atricilla Larus melanocephalus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 59.7 cm (23.5 in) 60.5 cm (23.8 in)
Weight 307.3333333333333 g (10.84 oz) 282.5 g (9.96 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-3 1-5
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Laughing Gull only

None

Mediterranean Gull only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Laughing Gull

Least Concern

Mediterranean Gull

About These Birds

Laughing Gull

Laughing Gull, 36–41 cm, is a medium-sized gull of Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, with a distinctive laughing call. Breeding adult has a full black hood, dark red bill. Omnivore; follows fishing boats, scavenges at beaches, steals prey from Brown Pelicans. Migratory; winters to northern South America.

Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull, 36–38 cm, has expanded dramatically since the 1970s, breeding across Europe from the Black Sea to Britain. Pure white body, jet-black hood in breeding plumage — the only gull with entirely white wingtips. Piscivore and invertivore; nests in colonies, often with Black-headed Gulls.

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