Black-headed
Gull - Larus ridibundis
The
commonest UK gull and well established inland, including
most towns and cities. It is the smallest of the common
gulls, with a chocolate brown (not black!) hood in summer
and a prominent ear spot in winter. In flight, adults can
be easily identified from other British gulls by the white
front edge to the wings. Juveniles have ginger brown markings
in their plumage.
|
|
|
This is a young gull in its first winter; the ear spot is
more of a stripe and brown feathers remain in the wing. Thornton
Reservoir, Leicestershire, UK
BlackHeadedGull1
|
|
|
An
adult in winter with an obvious ear spot. The legs and bill
also develop a deeper red colour. Arundel, West Sussex, UK
BlackHeadedGull2
|
|
|
Groby
Pool , Leicestershire, UK
BlackHeadedGull3
|
|
|
This
clearly shows the juvenile wing pattern which is retained
throughout their first winter. Thornton Reservoir, Leicestershire,
UK
BlackHeadedGull4
|
 |
The
two birds in flight have just taken off from the water, showing
just how far the wings have to be flexed to get the lift they
need. Thornton Reservoir, Leicestershire, UK
BlackHeadedGull5
|
 |
A
bird in summer plumage with its black (actually brown) hood.
Groby Pool , Leicestershire, UK
BlackHeadedGull6
|
