Brown-headed Gull

Overview

The brown-headed gull (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus) is a small gull that breeds in the high plateaus of central Asia. It is migratory, wintering on the coasts and large inland lakes of the Indian subcontinent.

Identification

• Slightly larger than the black-headed gull, with a pale brown head in summer that is lighter than that of the black-headed gull.
• Pale grey body with a red bill and legs; primary wing feathers have black tips with conspicuous white 'mirrors'.
• Underwing is grey with black flight feathers.
• In winter, the brown hood is lost, leaving only dark vertical streaks on the head.

Habitat

Breeds in colonies in large reedbeds, marshes, or on islands in lakes within the high plateaus of central Asia, ranging from Tajikistan to Ordos in Inner Mongolia. Winters on the coasts and large inland lakes of the Indian subcontinent.

Diet

A bold and opportunist feeder, this gull scavenges in towns or feeds on invertebrates in ploughed fields. It is highly gregarious when feeding.

Did you know?

This species is not pelagic and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts.