Identification

37-40cm. Mediterranean Gull has three age-groups. A trifle larger than Black-headed Gull, with shorter, thicker, more obtuse bill; less pointed, broader, slightly shorter wings; and longer legs. Flight with quicker and stiffer wingbeats than Common Gull. Adult: Unmistakable; all-white flight-feathers, very pale grey upperparts (silvery-white at distance), scarlet bill and legs (less bright in winter), and large black hood (dark ‘mask’ in winter). 1st-year: Resembles Common Gull, but differs in all-white underwing-coverts, paler grey midwing-panel, slightly thinner tail-band, reddish-based dark or wholly black bill, reddish or black legs, and (from Sep) paler grey upperparts, dark ‘mask’ (or partial hood in 1st summer) and white underparts. 2nd-year: Like adult, but with variable, small black markings on wing-tip.

Description

The Mediterranean Gull is a regular breeder in small numbers in Hungary. Migrates in small numbers in spring (March-May) and in autumn (early June-October), and a few birds (mostly immatures) can oversummer. Local breeders leave the country usually by early August. Breeds locally, in certain Common Black-headed Gull colonies. Its Hungarian population increased significantly in the 1990s. Apart from its most typical breeding sites in the great plain (Lake Fehér near Szeged, fishponds of Kis-Sárrét, Soponya Fishpond, Rétszilas Fishponds and Kelemen-szék) it has colonised the Kis-Balaton, the restored habitat near Fertőújlak, the Hanság and the Hortobágy. The Danube is of great importance during migration.