How to Identify Black-Headed Gulls

The name of the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) is misleading, making the identification of this visitor to North Atlantic locales in North America confusing. A native of Europe and Asia, but able to navigate the ocean and occasionally turn up along the coast or near the Great Lakes, the black-headed gull does not actually have a black head. Identify this seagoing species by its size, coloring and some of its habits.

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the size of the black-headed gull, considered a small gull by ornithologists. Look for a gull between 13 inches and 15 inches in length, with a wingspan of 39 to 43 inches. This gull weighs between 8 and 14 oz., according to The Robinson Library.

    • 2

      Study the head of the black-headed gull, looking for a separate set of colors during the breeding and the nonbreeding seasons. During the breeding season, the black-headed gull features a chocolate brown "hood" extending over most of its head. When not in the breeding season, during the winter months, the bird's head possesses a darkened spot behind both eyes, with the legs and the bill both a bright shade of red. The legs and bill are a darker tint of red during the breeding season.

    • 3

      Examine the back of the black-headed gull, looking for it to be a shade of gray no matter what time of year it is. The ends of the wings have black tips, while the bird's under parts will be white year-round.

    • 4

      Look for the immature black-headed gull to have brown about its back, head and neck. There is a darker bar flashing across the bird's wing, and the tip of its tail is black as a juvenile.

    • 5

      Watch the behavior of the black-headed gull, which helps to identify the species. While foraging for food, the black-headed gull will walk around or swim. The bird has the ability to catch flying bugs while in flight, and it often will fly low over the water and grab food from the surface. This gull eats seeds, berries, mice, fish, insects, worms and even garbage, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In some instances, you may observe the black-headed gull as it follows behind farmers plowing their fields, waiting for worms and/or insects the plow stirs up.