The Irish black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small gull species that breeds in Ireland and other parts of Europe and Asia. It is closely related to the common black-headed gull but is considered a separate subspecies. The Irish black-headed gull differs in having a darker mantle color than the nominate race.
The black-headed gull is the most abundant and widespread of the gulls found in Ireland. Its total population is estimated at over 40,000 breeding pairs. The species nests predominantly inland, near freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes and wetlands. It feeds in wet grasslands as well as intertidal mudflats and sandflats.
Physical Description
The adult Irish black-headed gull in breeding plumage has a chocolate brown head, nape and upper neck, with a distinctive white crescent above the eye. The rest of the body is white apart from the back and upper wings which are light grey. The legs are red in color and the bill is bright red with a black tip.
In winter plumage, the head of the Irish black-headed gull becomes predominantly white, just flecked with brown. The legs fade to a pink color. Juvenile birds have a mottled brown color on the head, neck and body with black markings on the wings.
Some key physical features of the Irish black-headed gull include:
Size
- Length: 35-39 cm
- Wingspan: 95-105 cm
- Weight: 190-300 g
Distinctive Markings
- Chocolate brown head in summer
- White crescent above eye
- Light grey back and wings
- Red bill and legs
Habitat and Range
The Irish black-headed gull breeds across Ireland, including inland at large freshwater lakes and along the coast. Its breeding range extends throughout Europe into central Asia. Many populations migrate further south in the winter, although some remain year-round in Ireland.
Key aspects of the habitat and range include:
Breeding Habitat
- Freshwater lakes
- Rivers and marshes
- Coastal islands
- Wetlands
Wintering Habitat
- Coastal areas
- Farmland
- Urban areas
Range
- Breeds across Ireland, Britain and Europe to central Asia
- Irish population estimated at over 40,000 pairs
- Migrates south to Mediterranean and North Africa
- Some remain in Ireland year-round
Diet and Feeding
The Irish black-headed gull is an omnivorous and opportunistic feeder. Its diet includes a wide range of insects, earthworms, fish, amphibians, grain, scraps, rodents and eggs and young of other birds.
It employs a variety of foraging methods when hunting for food:
Foraging Methods
- Plucks insects off surfaces
- Catches insects in flight
- Probes mud for worms and aquatic prey
- Scavenges on rubbish tips and in urban areas
- Swoops down on prey in grasslands and intertidal areas
- Steals food from other birds
- Captures live prey and scavenges on carrion
Key Prey Items
- Insects
- Earthworms
- Small fish
- Frogs and tadpoles
- Grains and seeds
- Carrion
- Rodents
- Other birds’ eggs and young
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding Season
- April to June
- Nesting colonies form near water
Nesting
- Builds nest of vegetation on ground near water
- Lays 3 eggs per clutch
- Incubation period: 23-26 days
- Fledging period: 28-30 days
Migration
- Irish black-headed gulls arrive in March/April
- Leave breeding grounds August/September
- Winter in coastal regions or migrate south to Mediterranean and North Africa
Lifespan
- Typically live up to 17 years in the wild
Behaviour
Feeding
- Feeds in flocks in open grassy areas
- Often associates with other gull species and waterfowl
- Opportunistic and will steal food
- Readily scavenges in urban areas
Breeding
- Nest in dense colonies near water
- Aggressive territorial behavior in breeding season
- Parents cooperate in incubating eggs and feeding chicks
Migration
- Travels in flocks between breeding and wintering grounds
- Makes long sea crossings during migration
Roosting
- Roosts communally in coastal marshes or on islands
- Also roosts on lakes inland
Conservation Status
The Irish black-headed gull is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Key facts about its conservation include:
- Widespread and abundant species
- Population trend appears to be stable
- Adapts readily to man-made habitats
- Continue to monitor for potential declines in select populations
Conclusion
The Irish black-headed gull is Ireland’s most common and widespread gull species. It is highly adaptable and thrives among human habitation. This opportunistic feeder consumes a variety of prey across marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. Though still common, monitoring is required to ensure healthy population levels are maintained into the future. The Irish black-headed gull remains an integral part of both natural and urban ecosystems.