Sabine's Gull vs Mediterranean Gull

In short

Sabine's Gull and Mediterranean Gull are both small gulls, but Sabine's Gull is notable for its black bill with a yellow tip and a distinctive notched tail. Mediterranean Gull has a more uniform appearance with a solid black head in breeding plumage and lacks the notched tail.

Identification tips

• Bill: Look for Sabine's Gull's black bill with a yellow tip.
• Tail: Sabine's Gull has a notched tail, unlike the Mediterranean Gull.
• Wing Pattern: Sabine's Gull has a distinctive black, white, and gray wing pattern.
• Head: Mediterranean Gull has a solid black head in breeding plumage.
• Behavior: Observe feeding behavior; Sabine's Gull may feed on mudflats like shorebirds.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but Sabine's Gull is slightly smaller and more delicate in build compared to the more robust Mediterranean Gull.

Plumage

Sabine's Gull has a striking black, white, and gray wing pattern and a black bill with a yellow tip. Mediterranean Gull in breeding plumage has a solid black head, white body, and lacks the distinctive wing pattern of Sabine's Gull.

Behaviour

Sabine's Gull exhibits behaviors more akin to shorebirds and terns, such as distraction displays and feeding methods on mudflats. Mediterranean Gull behaves more typically like other gulls, often seen in flocks.

Habitat

Sabine's Gull is often found in Arctic breeding grounds and migrates to the open ocean, while Mediterranean Gull is more coastal, found around the Mediterranean and Black Seas, extending into Western Europe.

Voice

Sabine's Gull has calls more similar to terns, while Mediterranean Gull has a typical gull-like call.