What is Little Gull?

About Little Gull:

• The Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus) is the smallest species of gull (seabird) in the world, belonging to the family Laridae.
• It breeds in northern Europe and across the Palearctic. 
• It is migratory, wintering on coasts in western Europe, the Mediterranean, and (in small numbers) the northeast United States.
• Habitat: Seacoasts, bays, estuaries, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and flooded fields.
• Features:
  • This is the smallest gull species, with a length of 25–30 cm, a wingspan of 61–78 cm, and a mass of 68–162 g.
  • It is pale grey in breeding plumage with a black hood, dark underwings, and often a pinkish flush on the breast.
  • In winter, the head goes white apart from a darker cap and eye-spot.
  • The bill is thin and black, and the legs are dark red. The flight on rounded wings is somewhat tern-like.
  • Young birds have black markings on the head and upper parts, and a "W" pattern across the wings. They take three years to reach maturity.
• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Q1: What is an estuary?

An estuary is an area where a freshwater river or stream meets the ocean. In estuaries, the salty ocean mixes with a freshwater river, resulting in brackish water. Brackish water is somewhat salty, but not as salty as the ocean.

News: Eurasian little gull makes NCR ‘debut’