Little gull

Lore & Background

The little gull was first formally described as Larus minutus in 1776 by German ornithologist Peter Simon Pallas, with its type locality given as Berezovo, Tobolsk in Siberia. In 1829, Johann Jakob Kaup proposed the genus Hydrocoloeus for this species, and George Robert Gray later formally designated Larus minutus as the type species. Kaup had also included Larus plumbiceps in his genus, but that is a synonym of the grey-headed gull. Within the Laridae, its closest relative is Ross's gull (Rhodostethia rosea); some authors have included Ross's gull in Hydrocoloeus, but this has not been accepted by major ornithological authorities. Many authorities also place the least gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus) in this genus, making it not monospecific.

Reader's Guide

The little gull is significant as the world's smallest gull and the sole member of the genus Hydrocoloeus. Its taxonomy reflects historical debates: Kaup's original genus included another species now placed elsewhere, and its relationship with Ross's gull remains a point of discussion. Ecologically, it is a migratory species that breeds in freshwater wetlands and winters at sea, feeding on insects in summer and small fish and marine invertebrates in winter. Its breeding range spans the Palearctic from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia, with North American colonies around the Great Lakes. In the early 21st century, non-breeding birds increasingly summered in western Europe, and in 2016 they nested for the first time in Great Britain at the RSPB reserve at Loch of Strathbeg. The little gull's small size, distinctive black hood in breeding plumage, and sociable flocking behavior make it a notable species for ornithologists and birdwatchers.

Did You Know?

• The little gull is the smallest species of gull in the world.
• It is one of two species in the genus Hydrocoloeus, the other being the least gull.
• Its closest relative is Ross's gull, though some authors have placed Ross's gull in Hydrocoloeus.