- Lifespan
- 10–15 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 25–27 cm, wingspan 40–48 cm; 120–150 g
- Habitat
- Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and coastal lagoons, particularly during migration and winter.
- UK Distribution
- Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, most frequently seen in autumn and spring on inland reservoirs and coastal waters. Very rare breeder in the UK.
- Diet
- Small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, obtained by surface-feeding, dipping, or shallow diving.
- Prey
- Fish (especially small fry), freshwater amphipods, and insect larvae
- Predators
- Great Black-backed Gulls, foxes, and birds of prey such as Peregrines; eggs and chicks taken by corvids and stoats
- Mating Season
- May to June
- Breeding
- Clutch of 2–3 eggs, incubation period approximately 24 days, single brood per season. Fledging at around 3–4 weeks.
- Behaviour
- Highly gregarious, often forming flocks with other gull species. Agile flier with buoyant, tern-like flight. Performs spectacular communal courtship displays involving synchronized calling and posturing.