Laughing Gull vs Mediterranean Gull

In short

The Laughing Gull and Mediterranean Gull can be distinguished by their head markings and bill color. Laughing Gulls have a black hood with white eye crescents, while Mediterranean Gulls have a black head with a more uniform appearance. The Laughing Gull's bill is red with a black tip, whereas the Mediterranean Gull's bill is bright red without a black tip.

Identification tips

• Head Markings: Look for the black hood with white eye crescents in Laughing Gulls versus the uniformly black head in Mediterranean Gulls.
• Bill Color: Laughing Gulls have a red bill with a black tip, while Mediterranean Gulls have a bright red bill without a black tip.
• Wing Tips: Check for black wingtips in Laughing Gulls and white wingtips in adult Mediterranean Gulls.
• Location: Consider geographic location; Laughing Gulls are more likely in North America, while Mediterranean Gulls are found in Europe and parts of Asia.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Mediterranean Gull is slightly stockier.

Plumage

Laughing Gulls have a dark gray mantle and wings with black wingtips, while Mediterranean Gulls have a paler gray mantle and wings with white wingtips in adults. The Laughing Gull's head is black with white eye crescents, whereas the Mediterranean Gull's head is uniformly black.

Behaviour

Laughing Gulls are often seen following fishing boats and gathering around human activity for food, while Mediterranean Gulls are less associated with human presence.

Habitat

Laughing Gulls are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, as well as the Pacific coast of Mexico, often in coastal and island habitats. Mediterranean Gulls are primarily found in Europe and parts of Asia, favoring coastal lagoons and estuaries.

Voice

Laughing Gulls are known for their distinctive 'laughing' calls, while Mediterranean Gulls have a more subdued, nasal call.