Caspian Gull

About the Caspian Gull
Also known as: Jolly Gull, Pontic Gull
Caspian Gull

The Caspian Gull is a large species of gull found across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. They breed around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea into northwest China.

The Caspian Gull was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the Herring Gull, which itself is split into European / American by some taxonomies. These gulls are closely related to the Lesser Black-backed Gull and different authorities split or lump up to eight different species, including the Caspian Gull, in different ways.

Caspian Gulls are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders. They feed on fish and invertebrates they forage for themselves, but they also steal food from other gulls. They also prey upon small mammals and reptiles, scavenge food from trash, and snatch eggs from other birds.

Details & Statistics

International Names