Silver Gull vs Brown-hooded Gull

In short

The Silver Gull and Brown-hooded Gull are both small gulls, but they can be distinguished by their head coloration and primary feather patterns. The Silver Gull has a white head, while the Brown-hooded Gull sports a distinctive powdery brown half-hood during the breeding season.

Identification tips

• Head Color: Look for the white head of the Silver Gull versus the brown half-hood of the Brown-hooded Gull in breeding plumage.
• Primary Feathers: Note the white outer primaries with black tips on the Brown-hooded Gull.
• Habitat: Consider location; Silver Gulls are more coastal and urban, while Brown-hooded Gulls prefer freshwater marshes during breeding.

Size

Both species are small gulls, with the Silver Gull being slightly larger overall.

Plumage

The Silver Gull has a white head and body with grey wings, while the Brown-hooded Gull features a powdery brown half-hood in breeding plumage. The Brown-hooded Gull also has white outer primaries with black tips from above and a black patch on the primaries from below.

Behaviour

Both species are often found in flocks and can be seen feeding on aquatic invertebrates. The Brown-hooded Gull is more likely to be found in freshwater marshes during breeding.

Habitat

Silver Gulls are commonly found along coastlines and urban areas, while Brown-hooded Gulls breed in freshwater marshes and are found along southern South American coasts.

Voice

Specific vocalization differences are not detailed, but both species have typical gull calls.