Black-headed Gull

Black-headed Gull
Chroicocephalus ridibundus

by Milan Bull, Senior Director of Science and Conservation
A great find at any time of the year, but more likely in the late winter and early spring, this small, hooded gull is normally found associating with large flocks of Bonaparte’s Gulls but often consorts with larger gull species such as Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls.

The Black-headed Gull is a common European species rarely visiting North America’s northern Atlantic Coast.

In Europe, these gulls are commonly seen scavenging in parks and other public areas, something they never do here in North America.

Where to find it: Birders found a Black-headed Gull this week at the Birdseye Boat Ramp in Stratford, and there was one last week in Stonington at Stonington Point.

What it looks like: The Black-headed Gull is a small gull, much smaller than the Laughing Gull, with a distinct white triangle on the leading edge of its wings and dark under the tips of the wings. Look for a dark spot behind the eyes and noticeable red beak and legs. 

Unlike other hooded gulls in breeding plumage, such as Laughing Gull, the Black-headed Gull does not have a black hood, but rather a dark brown hood, readily seen in good light.

However, the birds in Connecticut now are in winter plumage, and therefore lack the distinctive brown hood.

Conservation status: Black-headed Gulls are an abundant species in Europe and increasing their range. In North America (primarily Southern Greenland) there are about 400 breeding pairs.

Black-headed gull photos by Carolinabirds.org.