37-40 cm, sexes similar. Compared to the black-headed gull, the beak is more massive and coral-red, it has a black head – during nesting – and white tips to the wings. It is the lightest-coloured gull of those seen in the region. Present throughout the year, it does not nest here, but becomes numerous during migration, especially in late summer. It frequents the sea, the lagoons and agricultural areas.