Brown-hooded Gull vs Grey-hooded Gull

In short

The Brown-hooded Gull and Grey-hooded Gull are both small gulls with distinctive hoods, but differ in hood color and wing pattern. The Brown-hooded Gull has a powdery brown hood, while the Grey-hooded Gull features a grey hood. Key differences are visible in their wing patterns and hood coloration.

Identification tips

1. Look for the hood color: brown in Brown-hooded Gull, grey in Grey-hooded Gull. 2. Check the wing pattern: Brown-hooded has white outer primaries with black tips. 3. Observe the underwing: Brown-hooded shows a black patch on the primaries from below.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small gulls, making size a less reliable differentiator.

Plumage

The Brown-hooded Gull has a powdery brown half-hood and white outer primaries with black tips. The Grey-hooded Gull sports a grey hood and lacks the distinct black primary patch seen in the Brown-hooded Gull from below.

Behaviour

Both species may be seen feeding on aquatic invertebrates, often in mixed flocks with other gulls, making behavior a less reliable differentiator.

Habitat

The Brown-hooded Gull breeds in freshwater marshes in southern South America, while the Grey-hooded Gull's range and habitat preferences are less specified here, but they can overlap in coastal areas.