Summer plumage in winter
The Black Headed Gull is a wonderful, delicate bird with fabulous plumage. In the breeding season its head turns a shade of dark chocolate brown. People still refer to this as ‘summer’ plumage. It’s still winter and these gulls are getting frisky and ready for breeding.
![Black Headed Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Black-Headed-Gull-The-Hall-of-Einar-7.jpg)
![Black Headed Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Black-Headed-Gull-The-Hall-of-Einar-5.jpg)
![Black Headed Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Black-Headed-Gull-The-Hall-of-Einar-1.jpg)
They have a wonderful white leading edge to their wings. Here’s the sign for them in the Italian bird reserve:
![Black Headed Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Black-Headed-Gull-The-Hall-of-Einar.jpg)