Slender-billed Gull
Chroicocephalus genei
The Slender-billed Gull is a rare vagrant to Britain, with only a few recorded sightings, typically seen during migration periods or as a rare winter visitor. It can be spotted in coastal areas, particularly around estuaries and lagoons, although such sightings are extremely uncommon.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Slender-billed Gull in the field.
The Slender-billed Gull can be identified by its slender black bill, grey wings with white tips, and a distinctive black hood that extends to the back of the neck. Its pale grey back and white underside are also notable features.
The Slender-billed Gull is slightly larger than a Black-headed Gull, but smaller than a Lesser Black-backed Gull.
The male Slender-billed Gull has a pale grey back, white underside, and a black hood that extends to the back of the neck, with a white forehead and a slender black bill.
The female Slender-billed Gull is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage.
The Slender-billed Gull has a high-pitched, nasal call, often described as a sharp "kee-kee-kee" or "kyek-kyek-kyek" sound.
The Slender-billed Gull is a social bird that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects, often foraging in shallow waters or scavenging for food on beaches and mudflats, and is known for its agile and swift flight.
The Slender-billed Gull can be confused with the Black-headed Gull, but can be distinguished by its slender black bill, pale grey back, and the extent of its black hood, which reaches the back of the neck in the Slender-billed Gull.
Quick Facts
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