70. Black-headed Gull

Being a group of small islands, Malta is no stranger to gulls. We have about a dozen species of gulls recorded. Half of these are very rarely seen, but the others are regular and the most common is the black-headed gull (M: gawwija rasha kannella). Like most gulls, the black-headed gull is a biggish bird, largely white, with grey back and long slender wings tipped with black. In summer its head is dark brown - yes, the Maltese name is more accurate – but in winter it turns white. And winter is the time we see this bird in Malta. To see a flock of a hundred black-headed gulls or more milling around one of the main harbours, especially with dark clouds looming behind, is a spectacle. It is sad that hunters often shoot gulls for no reason other than the fact that they fly! All gulls are protected by Maltese law.

Text by Victor Falzon, photo by Denis Cachia.

Copyright to Birdlife Malta.