The river gull (Larus ridibundus) is about 40 cm long, and its wingspan is about 100 cm, therefore it belongs to the smaller species of gulls. The river gull (Larus ridibundus) is about 40 cm long, and its wingspan is about 100 cm, therefore it belongs to the smaller species of gulls. Thus in both summer and winter plumage you won't mistake it for any other species. Adults have the head entirely in a color of dark chocolate, the neck, chest, belly and tail are pristine white, the back and wings are evenly ash-gray, the edge of the tail and the tips of the wings are black. In winter the chocolate hood is replaced by white, but a distinctive black mark remains behind the eye and near the ear. The plumage of young river gulls contains more brown color and is more mottled.
The river gull is a social bird that groups in small or large flocks. In search of food in towns and harbors and on freshly plowed fields or various inland water bodies, it often mingles with other gull species. It is a diurnal omnivore that feeds on various invertebrates and their larvae, as well as semeni, carrion and more. Especially outside the breeding season it subsists on human waste.
It nests colonially, in April and May, mainly in hard-to-reach parts of inland waters. It is particularly attracted to remote, shallow and occasionally flooded areas, but it is also satisfied with slowly flowing rivers and their deltas, lakes and wetlands, and it does not shy away from artificial water bodies either. In Slovenia, for example, it has the only permanent breeding colonies in the lagoons of the former Ormož sugar factory and on Ptuj Lake. Although individuals of northern populations are considered strong migrants, river gulls in milder climates stay year-round. In winter they often fly to the sea coast, but on unfrozen water surfaces they can also be found inland. In our country it can be observed year-round.
In Slovenia it is listed on the Red List of nesting birds as a vulnerable species, as its nesting sites are few and populations are small.
