Mediterranean Gull vs Black-headed Gull
Larus melanocephalus compared with Larus ridibundus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Black-headed Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Larus ridibundus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 58.2 cm (22.9 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 261.0 g (9.21 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
None
Black-headed Gull only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Black-headed Gull
About These Birds
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.
Black-headed Gull
Black-headed Gull, 38–44 cm, is one of Europe's commonest gulls, breeding across the Palearctic on wetlands and coasts. Chocolate-brown (not black) hood in summer, lost in winter leaving dark ear-spot. Omnivore; follows ploughs, scavenges in cities, dips for invertebrates. Migratory.