Identification

55-60cm. Caspian Gull has four age-groups. About as large as Yellow-legged or Herring Gull. The Caspian Gull has a long, slender bill, accentuated by the sloping forehead. The legs, wings and neck are longer than those of the Herring Gull and Yellow-legged Gull. The eye is small and often dark, the legs vary from pale pink to a pale yellowish colour. The back and wings are a slightly darker shade of grey than the Herring Gull but slightly paler than the Yellow-legged Gull. The outermost primary feather has a large white tip and a white tongue running up the inner web.

Description

The Caspian Gull has been nesting in growing numbers at the Hortobágy Fishponds since 2003. Frequent spring (mid-February to April) and autumn (Late-July to November) migrant. Appearing predominantly at extensive fishponds in the eastern parts of Hungary (Szeged, Biharugra, Hortobágy). Rarely occurs in summer, but common in winter. More sporadic west of the Tisza River, and mainly a winter visitor in low numbers along the Danube. Compared to Yellow-legged Gull its abundance varies both within the country and within the different regions. More confined to extensive fishponds than Yellow-legged Gull and rarely occurs in dry habitats.