Black Guillemot vs Little Gull

The Black Guillemot and Little Gull are easily distinguished by their size and plumage. Black Guillemots have distinctive white wing-patches and scarlet legs, while Little Gulls are the smallest gulls worldwide with a more uniform plumage. Observing their behavior and preferred habitats can also aid in identification.

Check size: Little Gulls are much smaller. Look for white wing-patches and scarlet legs: These are key features of the Black Guillemot. Consider habitat: Black Guillemots are more likely in inshore waters, while Little Gulls are often seen along coasts or large lakes.

The Little Gull is significantly smaller than the Black Guillemot, being the smallest gull worldwide.

Black Guillemots have white wing-patches and scarlet legs, which are distinctive. Little Gulls lack these features and have a more uniform plumage.

Black Guillemots prefer inshore waters and are often found near ice edges in the high Arctic, while Little Gulls are more frequently observed along coasts or at larger inland lakes and rivers.