The Little Gull is the world's smallest gull. It breeds in eastern Europe and western Siberia but has established small breeding populations around the Great Lakes. Adults in breeding plumage have a distinctive all-black hood and dark underwings. During migration it dips and buoyantly picks food from the water surface like a tern. It is regular in small numbers on the Atlantic Coast in winter.
Best time to see a Little Gull
The best time to see a Little Gull is January–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 588 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Little Gull? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Little Gull sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Little Gull?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.