Heermann's Gull vs Mediterranean Gull
Larus heermanni compared with Larus melanocephalus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Mediterranean Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Larus melanocephalus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
About These Birds
Heermann's Gull
Heermann's Gull, 46–51 cm, is distinctive — dark grey body, white head (breeding), red bill. Breeds almost entirely on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, then disperses north along the Pacific coast to British Columbia. Kleptoparasite; steals fish from Brown Pelicans. Near Threatened; range highly restricted.
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.