Kingdom Animalia Order Charadriiformes Scientific name Hydrocoloeus minutus Higher classification Hydrocoloeus Length 25 – 30 cm (Adult) | Phylum Chordata Family Laridae Mass 68 – 160 g (Adult) Rank Species Wingspan 61 – 78 cm (Adult) | |
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Genus HydrocoloeusKaup, 1829 Similar Bird, Gulls, Mediterranean gull, Black tern, Lesser black‑backed gull | ||
Little gull
The little gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus or Larus minutus), is a small gull that breeds in northern Europe and Asia. The genus name Hydrocoloeus is from Ancient Greek hudro, "water", and koloios, a sort of web-footed bird. The specific minutus is Latin for "small".
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It also has small colonies in parts of southern Canada. It is migratory, wintering on coasts in western Europe, the Mediterranean and (in small numbers) the northeast United States; in recent years non-breeding birds have summered in western Europe in increasing numbers. As is the case with many gulls, it has traditionally been placed in the genus Larus. It is the only member of the genus Hydrocoloeus, although it has been suggested that Ross's gull also should be included in this genus.
This species breeds colonially on freshwater marshes, making a lined nest on the ground amongst vegetation. Normally 2–6 eggs are laid.
This is the smallest gull species, with a length of 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in), a wingspan of 61–78 cm (24–31 in), and a mass of 68–162 g (2.4–5.7 oz). It is pale grey in breeding plumage with a black hood, dark underwings and often a pinkish flush on the breast. In winter, the head goes white apart from a darker cap and eye-spot. The bill is thin and black and the legs dark red. The flight on rounded wings is somewhat tern-like.
Young birds have black markings on the head and upperparts, and "W" pattern across the wings. They take three years to reach maturity.
These gulls pick food off the water surface, and will also catch insects in the air like a black tern.