Black-headed Gull
Scientific Name: Larus ridibundusMaltese Name: Gawwija Rasha Kannella
Family: Gulls (Laridae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Black-headed is a small gull, very pale with a dark, brownish hood in summer. In breeding plumage it has a bright red bill with a white eyering contrasting with its dark head. In winter, it has a white head with a black spot behind its eye. Its very social and noisy, often seen in harbours feeding on food thrown at them by passers by. They are not restricted to sea, many are seen in flooded fields searching for worms in the soil. This bird nests in colonies, with the nests varying from small scraps in mud to structures in reeds or rushes.
Status:
Common wintering bird.
When to See:
Can be seen from November till April, but mostly seen in Winter Months (December-February).
Where to See:
Mostly seen at sea, close to the shores. Huge numbers are seen feeding close to the shores and in harbours on days with strong winds. Harbours on the east and southern coasts are good places to see this bird. The breakwater at Valletta is one of the best places, with many birds resting on the breakwater.
Photographs:
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Black-headed Gull in Winter Plumage, Ta' Xbiex |
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| Black-headed Gulls resting on a boat, Ta' Xbiex | Adult & Immature Black-headed Gull, Ta' Xbiex |
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Black-headed Gull in Breeding Plumage, Ta' Xbiex |
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