Lava Gull vs Mediterranean Gull
Larus fuliginosus compared with Larus melanocephalus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Lava Gull | Mediterranean Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus fuliginosus | Larus melanocephalus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 68.2 cm (26.9 in) | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) |
| Weight | 380.0 g (13.40 oz) | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Lava Gull
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
About These Birds
Lava Gull
Lava Gull, 52–55 cm, is the world's rarest gull — only ~800–1,000 individuals exist, all on the Galápagos Islands. Sooty grey overall, white eyelids, red bill and feet. Scavenges at fishing ports and seal colonies; omnivore. Restricted range makes it highly vulnerable to any environmental change.
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.