Little Gull Identification

Breeding adult

Small, black-headed gull with red legs, a black bill, and dark underwings.

Nonbreeding adult

Nonbreeding birds are pale gray above with a white tail. In flight, shows dark underwings. Note dark ear patch and smudgy crown.

Juvenile

During migration Little Gulls forage along large lakes or coastal waters for small fish.

First summer

First-summer birds have a thin black "M" pattern on the back and a black band on the tail.

Juvenile

Juveniles have a distinctive black M pattern on their backs that is visible in flight. The head appears smudgy black and gray. The tail is white with a black tip.

Mixed flock

Little Gulls regularly associate with Bonaparte's Gulls and other gull species at roosting sites — usually on beaches or mudflats.

Breeding adult

First summer (with Bonaparte's Gull)

Note dark underwings compared to Bonaparte's Gulls.

Juvenile

Note slender black bill and small size. The crown and ear patch on some juveniles is brownish black.