Head to head
Laughing Gull vs Black-headed Gull
The laughing gull and black-headed gull both develop dark hoods during the breeding season, but they occupy different continents and carry very differently earned names.
| Laughing Gull | Black-headed Gull | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Leucophaeus atricilla | Chroicocephalus ridibundus |
| Native range | Americas (Atlantic, Gulf coasts) | Europe, Asia |
| Breeding hood colour | True black | Chocolate-brown |
| Distinctive call | Cackling, laugh-like | Less distinctive |
| Back colour | Dark grey | Pale grey |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Coastal | Coastal, wetlands |
Laughing Gull vs Black-headed Gull: common questions
Which gull actually has a black hood, the laughing gull or the black-headed gull?
The laughing gull has the genuinely black breeding hood, while the black-headed gull's hood is actually chocolate-brown despite its name, making the laughing gull's name the more accurate of the two in this respect.
Do the laughing gull and black-headed gull share the same range?
No, the laughing gull is native to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the Americas, while the black-headed gull is native to a broad range spanning Europe and Asia, so the two species do not naturally overlap.
Which gull is more commonly found away from the coast?
The black-headed gull is more commonly found away from the coast, frequently seen on inland lakes and farmland, while the laughing gull remains more closely tied to coastal beaches and boardwalks across its range.