Black-headed gull - Larus ridibundus - Family: Laridae

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Black-headed gull - Larus ridibundus
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

This widespread and abundant gull is more likely to be seen in gardens during the winter when its 'black head' - which close-up can be seen to be deep chocolate brown - is reduced to a small, dark spot behind the eye. At this time, the native population is boosted by birds from further east in Europe, with some travelling here from Russia. Then, large numbers of black-headed gulls can be seen feeding on open farmland, especially on recently ploughed soil. They prefer to roost on open water, such as reservoirs and gravel pits. They eat a wide range of food from earthworms and other soil invertebrates to scraps of discarded food and refuse on rubbish tips. Groups of airborne gulls in summer may be feeding on flying ants.

Food

Like most gulls, this species will feed on almost anything including kitchen scraps. It takes ants in flight.

Prey

Ants, Brown chafer, Red ant, September cranefly, Slugs and snails, Small black ant, Worms, Yellow meadow ant