Grey-headed Gull
Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
Grey-headed Gull, omnivore in African freshwater lakes and coastal wetlands.
| Scientific name | Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Mwewe Kichwa Mweusi |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Size | Male: approximately 250-350 grams; Female: approximately 250-350 grams |
How to identify
Grey head, red eye ring; white body plumage, light grey back; red legs and bill; white underwing visible in flight; medium-small size
Habitat
Freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, wetlands, and coastal areas
Diet
Omnivorous, primarily feeding on fish, small invertebrates, insects, and human food scraps
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day
Where it lives
Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya and the Masai Mara region; some populations also found in South America
How to spot it
Observe at wetlands or lake edges during early morning or evening, paying attention to head and leg color for identification
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens to capture moments of flight or feeding, paying attention to lighting to highlight the grey head and red eye ring
Threats
Habitat destruction, water pollution, and human disturbance
Similar species
Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) has a black head and no red eye ring; Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is larger and lacks a grey head
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