Black-headed Gull

A noisy and social key species, which adapts well to both natural and urban environments.

Identification

A small gull with white body, grey wings, and red legs. In summer it has a dark brown head. In winter only dark spots behind the eyes remain.

Habitat

Lives in lakes, wetlands, coasts, and cities. Often nests on small islands or in dense vegetation near water, sometimes close to humans.

Nutrition

Feeds on insects, worms, fish, and seeds. Also scavenges food from human environments such as fields, harbours, and rubbish sites.

Breeding

Breeds in large colonies which protect nests from predators. Acts as a key species: other waterbirds nest nearby to gain safety from the colony. The nest is built from plant material on the ground or floating vegetation near water.

Migration

Short distance migratory bird. Most Finnish black-headed gulls winter in western Europe, returning to Finland in early spring.

Distribution

Widespread across Europe and Asia. Common throughout most of Finland, especially near water bodies.

Status and conservation

Globally Least Concern (LC). In Finland considered vulnerable (VU). In Finland the population declined since the 1970’s due to invasive predators, agricultural changes, and reduced food at landfills, but has stabilised in the 2000’s.

Cultural heritage

Gulls are often associated with the sea, harbours, and fishing. In Finnish folk tradition, they were seen as the souls of sailors. The name of the Black-headed Gull refers to its laughing call, also reflected in its scientific name ridibundus.