| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | A medium-sized gull measuring 34–37 cm in length with a wingspan of 94–105 cm and weight around 200–400 g. It has a chocolate-brown head in breeding plumage (appearing black from a distance), pale grey upperparts, and white underparts. In winter, the head turns white with a dark ear spot.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Breeds across Europe, Central Asia, and parts of East Asia. Northern and eastern populations are migratory, while some western and southern populations remain resident year-round.
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| Migrate to: | Winters in southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Common winter visitor to India’s wetlands and coasts.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds from April to July, forming large colonies on marshes, islands, or lakeshores. The nest is a simple structure made of reeds or vegetation placed on the ground or floating mats.
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| Breed in: | Found breeding in freshwater marshes, lakes, river islands, and coastal lagoons across temperate zones.
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| Habitat: | Occupies wetlands, estuaries, agricultural fields, and coastal areas. Frequently seen in inland water bodies during migration and winter.
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| Diet: | Omnivorous and opportunistic—feeds on insects, earthworms, small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and refuse. Often forages in wet fields and shorelines, sometimes following ploughs.
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