Yellow-footed Gull vs Mediterranean Gull

Larus livens compared with Larus melanocephalus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Yellow-footed Gull Mediterranean Gull
Scientific Name Larus livens Larus melanocephalus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 80.7 cm (31.8 in) 60.5 cm (23.8 in)
Weight 1295.0 g (45.68 oz) 282.5 g (9.96 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-3 1-5
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Yellow-footed Gull only

None

Mediterranean Gull only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Yellow-footed Gull

Least Concern

Mediterranean Gull

About These Birds

Yellow-footed Gull

Yellow-footed Gull, 53–58 cm, has a very restricted range — endemic to the Gulf of California with post-breeding dispersal to Salton Sea. Yellow feet (unique among large western gulls), yellow bill with red spot. Piscivore and scavenger; forages on rocky shores. Resident; does not undertake long migrations.

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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