Little Gull Identification

Little Gull Breeding adult
Breeding adult

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

© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibrarySouth Karelia, June 07, 2015
Little Gull Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding adult

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

© Anonymous eBirder | Macaulay LibraryOntario, November 08, 2005
Little Gull Juvenile
Juvenile

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

© Matthew D. Medler | Macaulay LibraryNew York, August 31, 2014
Little Gull First summer
First summer

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

© Yann Kolbeinsson | Macaulay LibraryNorðurland eystra, July 23, 2017
Little Gull Juvenile
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.

© Nick Saunders | Macaulay LibrarySaskatchewan, October 13, 2013
Little Gull Mixed flock
Mixed flock

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

© Matthew D. Medler | Macaulay LibraryNew York, August 31, 2014
Little Gull First summer with Bonaparte's Gull
First summer with Bonaparte's Gull

Note dark underwings compared to Bonaparte's Gulls.

© Jeremiah Trimble | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, September 02, 2017
Little Gull Juvenile
Juvenile

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

© Stephen Mirick | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, September 22, 2015
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Adult Description

  • Small gull.
  • Back and wings pale gray with white wingtips.
  • Underside of wings blackish.
  • Underparts white.
  • Head black during breeding.
  • Dark spot behind eyes and on cap in winter.

Immature Description

Juvenile Plumage: Much blackish on head, neck, and back, a black bar across the wing, and a black tail tip.
First Winter (Basic I) Plumage: similar to nonbreeding adult, but with brownish black bar across the base of the wing, much black in the outer wing, and a black band across the tip of the tail.
First Summer (Alternate I) Plumage: Like first winter, but with full or partial hood. Dark on back fades with wear. Center of tail tip often white.
Second Winter (Basic II) Plumage: Like adult, but variable black markings on upper wingtip, and paler under wings.
Relative Size

Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 11.4-11.8 in (29-30 cm)
    • Weight: 3.5-5.3 oz (100-150 g)
    • Wingspan: 24.0 in (61 cm)