Mediterranean Gull vs Arctic Herring Gull
Larus melanocephalus compared with Larus smithsonianus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Arctic Herring Gull |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Larus smithsonianus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 85.9 cm (33.8 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 1108.0 g (39.08 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
None
Arctic Herring Gull only
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Least Concern
Arctic Herring 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.
Arctic Herring Gull
Arctic Herring Gull, 55–66 cm, breeds across Arctic North America and winters on all coasts of the US. Formerly lumped with European Herring Gull; darker-eyed on average, slightly more northerly range. Omnivore and scavenger; abundant at fishing ports, dumps, and beaches in winter.