The slender-billed gull is a mid-sized gull which breeds very locally around the Mediterranean and the north of the western Indian Ocean on islands and coastal lagoons. Most of the population is somewhat migratory, wintering further south to as far as North Africa and India. A few birds have wandered to western Europe. A vagrant individual was reportedly seen on Antigua, April 24, 1976.
Region
Mediterranean Basin and western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds locally around the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and along parts of the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, with scattered colonies at coastal lagoons and saline lakes. In the non-breeding season many birds move south to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, reaching coastal India and Sri Lanka. It prefers quiet, shallow waters such as saltpans, estuaries, and sheltered bays, and also uses large inland saline lakes. Occasional vagrants have been recorded in western and northern Europe.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elegant gull is named for its long, fine bill, which it uses to pick small fish and invertebrates from the water’s surface. Breeding is highly colonial on low, sandy islands and saltpans, where it nests on the ground. In breeding plumage some birds show a delicate pinkish flush to the underparts. It wanders widely outside the breeding season, with vagrants occasionally reaching western Europe and even the Caribbean.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant, graceful flight with steady wingbeats; capable of soaring glides over water
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on low islets and saltpans, often alongside other terns and small gulls. Nests are shallow scrapes on open ground, and pairs are seasonally monogamous. Outside the breeding season it forms flocks that forage and roost communally, sometimes in large numbers.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are higher-pitched and more mewing than those of larger gulls, with thin, nasal calls given in flight and at colonies. Alarm notes are sharper yelps, while contact calls are softer and more conversational within flocks.
Plumage
Slim-bodied gull with pale grey upperparts and clean white underparts; in breeding season may show a faint pink flush on the breast and belly. Primaries have limited black with pale grey tones, giving a light-winged appearance.
Diet
Takes small fish, prawns and other crustaceans, aquatic insects, worms, and occasional carrion or fishery discards. Often feeds by surface-picking or dipping while flying low over calm waters. Will also glean along shorelines and mudflats, and sometimes hawks for flying insects over water in calm conditions.
Preferred Environment
Shallow coastal lagoons, estuaries, and saltpans with minimal wave action. Also uses inland saline or brackish lakes and reservoirs, especially where water is clear and prey is near the surface.
