Birds
Larus melanocephalus

Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull

50
23 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.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
7420 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
23 hours ago

Monthly observations

24 observations
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Remi
Remi
3 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Tynaarlo, Drenthe
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+50
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Remi
Remi
3 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Coevorden, Drenthe
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
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Simeon
Simeon
8 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Bennekom, Gelderland
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
No likes yet
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L
Lieke
4 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
's-Heerenbroek, Overijssel
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
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Lucio Croes
Lucio Croes
4 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Zwolle, Overijssel
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+50
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Gerrita
Gerrita
4 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Wezep, Gelderland
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+65
Lifer
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Stefan
Stefan
4 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Wezep, Gelderland
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+50
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E
Elma
4 months ago
Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
Spotted Mediterranean Gull
+75
Lifer
Shorebirds spotter
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