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Key information: The Black-headed Gull is a social and very noisy bird. It comes to Cyprus in the winter, while some also visit Cyprus during spring and autumn migration. It is a very skillful flier and when in flight it looks mostly white. In the winter, its head is almost white, with a black dot behind the eye, but during the breeding season, the head turns a dark brown color, like in the picture.

Length: 35 – 39 cm

Habitat: Wetlands, coastal areas

When they can be seen: Autumn, winter, spring

What they eat: Invertebrates, fish and other aquatic organisms

In Cyprus: Can be seen in small groups in coastal areas and at wetlands

Status: Winter visitor, passage migrant

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis