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Birds and Habitats in the SBSG area.
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Mediterranean Gull

Adult winter Mediterranean Gull, Poolsbrook CP
Photograph Copyright © 2001 Ashley Fisher.

The first Sheffield area record of Mediterranean Gull, Larus melanocephalus, was in 1981. Since then they have become almost annual with an increase in the number of records per year during 1990's, especially the latter half of the decade. Local reports probably reflect the overall breeding numbers and success at small colonies in southern counties. Records are quite widespread with at least 16 localities involved, but only one or two reports at most of these and no more than 4 or 5 at any one locality. Broomhead and Langsett between them have the highest number of records, with Thrybergh CP, Old Denaby, RVCP and the Staveley area all having multiple reports. They are usually found in association with Black-headed Gulls. These five photographs by Ashley Fisher, are all of the same bird in adult winter plumage, at Poolsbrook CP on 28th December 2000. This is certainly a different bird to one which visited the Langsett roost on a couple of evenings later the same month with a third bird, a second winter individual, also reported.

Mediterranean Gull is slightly larger than BHG, looks bulkier and, in flight, shows shorter but broader wings. Comparing the adult bird in this series of photographs with the BHG's alongside, note the much paler upper-parts with no black in the wing-tips [adults only], the shorter but heavier and brighter red bill and longer, darker legs. In winter plumage the adult retains a heavier smudge of black around the eye. Last updated 19th January 2001.

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