Chroicocephalus maculipennis
The Brown-hooded Gull, *Chroicocephalus maculipennis*, is a charming and common medium-sized gull native to southern South America, recognized by its distinctive chocolate-brown hood during the breeding season. Measuring about 38-40 cm (15-16 inches) in length with a wingspan of 90-95 cm (35-37 inches) and weighing 250-360 g (8.8-12.7 oz), it is a graceful flyer and an opportunistic feeder. Its breeding plumage features a striking dark brown hood, contrasted by a white crescent above and belo...
Primarily found in a variety of wetland habitats, including coastal estuaries, sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, rivers, and even agricultural fields. It is adaptable and thrives from sea level up to high Andean lakes.
An opportunistic omnivore, its diet mainly consists of terrestrial and aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans, worms, and carrion. They also consume refuse, seeds, and agricultural waste, often following plows to feed on exposed invertebrates.
Brown-hooded Gulls are highly social and gregarious birds, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season that can number in the thousands, frequently roosting communally. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging with diverse techniques: aerial hawking for insects, surface-dipping f...
The Brown-hooded Gull is endemic to southern South America, with its primary breeding grounds spanning Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and the Falkland Islands. During the austral summer, breeding populations are concentrated in these southern regions, often utilizing coastal and inland wetl...
Least Concern
- The 'hood' of the Brown-hooded Gull, which gives it its name, is actually dark brown, not black, distinguishing it from several 'black-headed' gull species. - These gulls are incredibly adaptable, frequently seen scavenging for food in bustling urban areas, landfills, and even following fishing...