Dark-eyed and long-winged with a rounded head.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyGulls, Terns, and Skimmers
SizeMedium
RarityRare
HabitatCoastal waters, beaches, estuaries, harbours, islands, and offshore waters depending on season.
Best timeMost reliable in Western Australia from February.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Petter Westberg
Range map
Range map
4approx hotspots
6approx records
1states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Small dainty gull. Breeding adults are white-headed with a variable smudgy ring on the bill; non-breeding adults have light brown markings on the head. Younger birds are brownish, with black-tipped pink bills. Occurs throughout much of Eurasia. Does not frequent large urban centers as much as some other gulls.
Behavior
Breeds in wetlands, meadows, and beaches; winters in waterside habitats and fields, especially near the coast.
Gallery
Regional timing
Western Australia
New South Wales