Mediterranean Gull
Scientific Name: Larus melanocephalusMaltese Name: Gawwija Rasha sewda
Family: Gulls (Laridae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Mediterranean Gull, is a small gull which breeds almost entirely in Europe, mainly in the south east, especially around the Black Sea, and in central Turkey. There are colonies elsewhere in southern Europe, and this species has undergone a dramatic range expansion in recent decades. In winter, this bird migrates to Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.
This gull breeds in colonies in large reedbeds or marshes, or on islands in lakes; where its population is small, it nests in Black-headed Gull colonies. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts.
It can be distinguished from the Black-headed Gulls with which it often associates by its slightly larger size, very pale grey plumage and thicker red bill. The summer adult has a black head; the bird's scientific name actually means "black-headed gull". The similar species Black-headed Gull actually has a brown hood. Adults have no black in their wings. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just a streaked grey mask. Legs are red.
The Mediterranean Gull's feeding habits are much an opportunistic omnivore, eating fish, worms, scraps, insects and carrion. This bird takes two years to reach maturity. First year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings, but have pale underwings.
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 strong winds. Harbours on the east and southern coasts are good places to see this speacies. The Break-water at Valletta is one of the best places, whith many birds resting on the breakwater.
Photographs:
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1st Winter Mediterranean Gull, February 2010, Ta' Xbiex |
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| Adult Mediterranean Gull in Winter Plumage, January 2007, Ghadira NR | 1st Winter Mediterranean Gull, February 2010, Ta' Xbiex |
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1st Winter Mediterranean Gull, January 2006, Ghadira Bay |
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