/
Dark-eyed and long-winged with a rounded head.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyGulls, Terns, and Skimmers
SizeMedium
RarityRare
HabitatCoastlines, harbours, offshore waters, estuaries, headlands, beaches, and large inland water when conditions suit.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from May to June.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Petter Westberg
Range map
Range map
4visible hotspots
5visible records
1states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
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