Black-headed Gull
Latin: Chroicocephalus ridibundis (Linné 1766)
Svenska: Skrattmås
Deutsch: Lachmöwe
Not so picky
The black-headed gull eats everything it can: insects, seeds, fish, crustaceans, earthworms, and even refuse. In the summertime, it can be seen chasing after flying insects.
The black-headed gull first appeared in Uppland at the end of the 1800’s. Its first colonies were observed in 1917 by Lårstaviken and Dalbyviken. During the 1950’s, the number of black-headed gulls increased considerably, and they were quite common in Uppland in the 1970’s with 25,000 counted pairs. After this period, the population has declined significantly to around 7,000 pairs. One reason for this dramatic decrease could have been the increase in American mink in the area.
A large colony of black-headed gulls can be found beyond the bird observation tower at Hjälstaviken.
The first black-headed gulls set off southwards toward Western and Central Europe as early as July, returning in late March.
Photo: Markus Tallroth ©
Latest sightings of black-headed gulls in Uppland
NatureGate on the black-headed gull