Saunders's Gull vs Black-headed Gull

In short

Saunders's Gull and Black-headed Gull can be tricky to differentiate, but look for bill size and head pattern: Saunders's has a smaller, more delicate bill and a distinctive black hood in breeding plumage. Black-headed Gull is larger with a more robust bill and a chocolate-brown hood during breeding.

Identification tips

1. Bill size: Saunders's has a smaller, more delicate bill. 2. Breeding hood color: Black in Saunders's, chocolate-brown in Black-headed. 3. Non-breeding head pattern: Look for the black spot behind the eye in Saunders's. 4. Size and structure: Saunders's is smaller and more delicate. 5. Habitat: Saunders's prefers coastal areas, while Black-headed is more adaptable.

Size

Saunders's Gull is smaller and more delicate compared to the slightly larger and more robust Black-headed Gull.

Plumage

In breeding plumage, Saunders's Gull has a black hood, while Black-headed Gull has a chocolate-brown hood. Outside of breeding season, both species lose their hoods, but Saunders's retains a more distinct black spot behind the eye.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar gull-like behaviors, but Saunders's Gull is often seen in smaller flocks compared to the more gregarious Black-headed Gull.

Habitat

Saunders's Gull is typically found in coastal wetlands and mudflats, while Black-headed Gull is more adaptable, found in a variety of habitats including inland waters and agricultural fields.

Voice

Vocalizations are similar, but Black-headed Gull's call is generally louder and more raucous.