The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small, adaptable seabird commonly found across Europe and Asia, with some populations extending into North America. Despite its name, its head is not entirely black but dark chocolate-brown during the breeding season, turning white with a small dark spot behind the eye in winter. This gull is highly social, often seen in flocks near wetlands, estuaries, and coastal areas, where it feeds on a varied diet of insects, worms, fish, and even discarded human food. Known for its loud, raucous calls, the black-headed gull is a skilled flyer, often swooping gracefully over water to catch prey or scavenge. It nests in colonies, typically in reed beds or on marshy ground, where both parents share responsibilities for raising their young. Its adaptability to diverse habitats and human-altered landscapes has contributed to its widespread presence and stable population.