Least Concern

A medium-sized gull measuring 37–40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90–102 cm. It has a pale grey back, white underparts, and a long, slender bill that gives it its name. In breeding plumage, the head shows a faint pinkish wash.

Breeds across southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central to South Asia. Populations from inland breeding sites are migratory, while coastal ones are more sedentary.

Winters along coastal regions of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, often seen in estuaries, salt pans, and lagoons.

Breeds from April to July, nesting in colonies on islands or islets within shallow saline or brackish lakes. Nests are made from vegetation and debris on bare ground or low mounds.

Found breeding around inland saline lakes, lagoons, and coastal salt marshes, especially in regions such as the Caspian Sea, Mediterranean basin, and western India.

Prefers coastal lagoons, estuaries, tidal flats, and salt pans, but also frequents inland saline or brackish wetlands. Usually found in open, low-vegetation areas near water.

Opportunistic feeder—consumes small fish, crustaceans, insects, mollusks, and worms. Also scavenges and occasionally takes organic refuse or planktonic prey from the water surface.