Little Gull Identification

Breeding adult

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

Nonbreeding adult

Juvenile

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

First winter

Juvenile

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

Mixed flock

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

Nonbreeding adult

Breeding adult

First winter

First summer

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

Nonbreeding adult

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