The Black-headed Gull is a small, common gull across Eurasia, known for its chocolate-brown summer hood (not actually black) that fades to white with ear spots in winter, red bill/legs, and black wingtips; they are adaptable, found near coasts and inland wetlands, feeding on insects, invertebrates, seeds, and waste, often in noisy flocks, and their scientific name ridibundus means "laughing," referring to their calls.
Appearance
Size: Small for a gull (around 35-38 cm long) with a 100-110 cm wingspan.
Breeding Plumage: Dark brown "hood" (not black), grey back/wings, white underparts, black wingtips, red bill and legs.
Winter Plumage: White head with dusky smudges/spots near the eyes; bill and legs remain red.
