Black-headed Gull vs Franklin's Gull

In short

The Black-headed Gull and Franklin's Gull can be distinguished by their hood color and wing patterns. Black-headed Gulls have a chocolate-brown hood, while Franklin's Gulls sport a black hood. Both species share similar habitats but differ in breeding locations and migration patterns.

Identification tips

• Hood color: Black-headed Gull has a chocolate-brown hood; Franklin's Gull has a black hood.
• Wing tips: Franklin's Gull has a white band on the wing tips.
• Breeding location: Franklin's Gull breeds in North American marshes; Black-headed Gull breeds in Europe and Asia.
• Migration: Franklin's Gull migrates to South America; Black-headed Gull is more sedentary in Europe and Asia.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but Franklin's Gull is slightly more robust.

Plumage

Black-headed Gulls have a chocolate-brown hood in breeding plumage and a white head with a dark ear spot in non-breeding plumage. Franklin's Gulls have a black hood in breeding plumage and a grayish-white head with a dark half-hood in non-breeding plumage. Franklin's Gulls also have a distinctive white band on the wing tips.

Behaviour

Both species are social and often seen in flocks. Franklin's Gulls are more likely to follow agricultural activities for food, while Black-headed Gulls are often found near water bodies.

Habitat

Black-headed Gulls are found in a variety of wetland habitats across Europe and Asia, while Franklin's Gulls breed in marshes of interior North America and migrate to South America.

Voice

Both species have similar calls, but Franklin's Gull has a more varied and higher-pitched call.