Mediterranean Gull vs Vega Gull

Larus melanocephalus compared with Larus vegae

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Gull Vega Gull
Scientific Name Larus melanocephalus Larus vegae
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Not Evaluated
Length
Wingspan 60.5 cm (23.8 in)
Weight 282.5 g (9.96 oz) 1231.75 g (43.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-5 --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Mediterranean Gull only

None

Vega Gull only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mediterranean Gull

Not Evaluated

Vega 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.

Vega Gull

Vega Gull, 55–68 cm, breeds in Siberia and winters on Pacific coasts from Japan to China. Formerly considered a subspecies of Herring Gull; slightly darker grey mantle, pink-fleshed orbital ring. Omnivore; scavenges at ports and forages along rocky coasts. Migratory; common in East Asian harbours in winter.

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