Black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The black-headed gull is the most common gull species breeding in Hungary. Many pass through the country in spring and autumn, while birds from farther north arrive at our lakes and rivers in winter. You may see them in towns and farmland as well as near water.

During the breeding season, the black-headed gull has a dark brown hood, which disappears in winter, leaving a dark spot behind each eye. It nests in large colonies, where the birds work together to drive away predators. Both parents incubate the usually three eggs, and the chicks learn to fly at around 5–6 weeks old. Its varied diet includes insects, other invertebrates, fish and small animals.