Black-headed Gull

Living environment and biology of the species

The species nests mainly inland. Prefers shallow, temporarily flooded wetlands with tall vegetation. Colonies form on the shores of lakes, lagoons, slow-flowing rivers, in deltas, mounded marshes, but may nest in raised areas of salt marshes, on dunes and islands near coasts. It also uses artificial habitats such as puddles, drains, swamps, canals and flooded areas. It can also nest in drained marshes, sand dunes, coastal areas and rocky islands. In winter it occurs mainly in coastal habitats, with a preference for estuaries with sandy or muddy shores, and generally avoids rocky or exposed coastal areas. During this period it may occur inland visiting arable land, wet grassland, parks, sewage works, water reservoirs and roosts on sandy and gravelly lake shores. In the wild, the average lifespan is 11 years.

Sexual maturity is reached at the age of two. Feeds in various habitats, mainly on animal food. It watches tractors sowing, visits landfill sites and dumping sites for household waste along rivers. It catches live animals, but doesn’t turn down carrion either. It hunts in April and May in high-density colonies of several thousand pairs, often with other gull and chub species. In these colonies each pair defends its territory. In the mating ritual, the male feeds the female. The behaviour of individuals in the colony is influenced by complex rituals, accompanied by loud calls.

It builds a very simple nest on the ground or between plants. The clutch of 2-3 eggs is hatched by both parents for 23-26 days. The chicks do not leave the nest immediately, but by the age of 10 days they are already moving away from it. Both parents are involved in feeding and defending the young. They leave the nest for good after 33-37 days, when they can fly. A laughing gull’s prey produces only one brood per year.