Mediterranean Gull vs Andean Gull

Larus melanocephalus compared with Larus serranus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Gull Andean Gull
Scientific Name Larus melanocephalus Larus serranus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 60.5 cm (23.8 in) 70.6 cm (27.8 in)
Weight 282.5 g (9.96 oz) 478.0 g (16.86 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-5 1-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Mediterranean Gull only

Andean Gull only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mediterranean Gull

Least Concern

Andean 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.

Andean Gull

Andean Gull, 45–48 cm, breeds at high-altitude Andean lakes from Colombia to Argentina, typically above 3000 m. Black hood in breeding plumage; white below with grey mantle. Largely insectivore, following cattle or foraging at lake edges. Partial altitudinal migrant descending to Pacific and Atlantic coasts in winter.

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