A small, dainty gull. Adults in summer have black heads, while young birds have a black mark on each wing which forms a 'W' pattern. In flight adults show a pale grey upperwing, with no black wingtips, and a very dark grey underwing.

Mainly around coastal estuaries.

Between July and April, with the largest numbers in spring and late summer/autumn.

Feeds on insects.

In late summer and autumn birds are largely seen between Tayside and Yorkshire, with smaller numbers further south. In spring birds can be seen around the Irish Sea with concentrations in places like the Alt estuary.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.