Birds
Larus melanocephalus

Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull

50
18 hours ago
Spotted
A striking medium-sized gull with a pure black hood (in breeding plumage) and noticeably pale underwings. It has undergone a significant range expansion in recent decades.
Where to spot
Breeds across Europe, often inland near freshwater bodies, and winters extensively along European coasts, the Mediterranean, and parts of North Africa. Increasing numbers are observed elsewhere as vagrants.
How to spot
In breeding plumage, identify by the jet-black hood and broad, unmarked white wingtips. In non-breeding, look for a clean white head with a distinct dark ear spot and a broader black bill, often with a reddish base.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in many parts of its extended range. Breeding season is from spring to early summer.
Mediterranean gull / Zwartkopmeeuw
Larus melanocephalus
Mediterranean gull / Zwartkopmeeuw
Credits: Freddie H.
Larus melanocephalus
Credits: hans zwitzer
The Mediterranean Gull's pure black head and very pale underwings distinguish it strongly from the similar-looking Black-headed Gull, which has a chocolate-brown head and dark underwing tips.
Loading...

Spotted

Recently spotted
6934 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
18 hours ago

Monthly observations

24 observations
Loading...
Remi
Remi
5 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Tynaarlo, Drenthe
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+50
No likes yet
Login to like
Remi
Remi
5 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Coevorden, Drenthe
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
Login to like
Simeon
Simeon
10 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Bennekom, Gelderland
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
No likes yet
Login to like
L
Lieke
5 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
's-Heerenbroek, Overijssel
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
Login to like
Lucio Croes
Lucio Croes
5 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Zwolle, Overijssel
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+50
Login to like
Gerrita
Gerrita
6 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Wezep, Gelderland
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
Login to like
Stefan
Stefan
6 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Wezep, Gelderland
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+50
Login to like
E
Elma
6 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+75
Lifer
Shorebirds spotter
New badge!
Login to like

Also interesting

File:Caspian gull (Larus cachinnans) summer Danube delta.jpg
50

Caspian Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
geelpootmeeuw in de Vlucht
45

Yellow-legged Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Gaviota peruana (Larus belcheri), puerto de Paracas, Perú, 2015-07-29, DD 14.JPG
100

Belcher's Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) RWD.jpg
100

Heermann's Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Larus livens, Pichilinque, Baja California Sur 1.jpg
100

Yellow-footed Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Sternula superciliaris.jpg
100

Yellow-billed Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
forster stern
95

Forster's Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Sterna striata, Kaiaua, Firth Of Thames, Waikato, New Zealand 3.jpg
100

White-fronted Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Chlidonias albostriatus 241187240.jpg
100

Black-fronted Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris).jpg
100

African Skimmer

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers