Birds of Ireland: Mediterranean gull

The jet-black hood on adult Mediterranean gulls is very striking — and they have long red legs too

Adult Mediterranean gull. Picture: John Furse

Mediterranean Gull [Sléibhín Meánmhuirí | Larus melanocephalus]

The Mediterranean gull is about 37-39 centimetres long with a wingspan of 94-98cm. They are a rare breeding species found on estuaries here all year round. The adults in breeding plumage have a jet-black hood with a broken white eye ring and they have a pale grey back and wings which are white towards the tips. They don't have any black body plumage and they have a stout red beak with a yellow tip; and long red legs.