Franklin’s Gull

🔍 Overview

A small North American gull that occasionally strays to Europe. A rare vagrant in Sussex, most often seen in winter.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Dark hood in breeding plumage; smudgy in winter

Pale grey mantle

Black wingtips with white spots

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Look for it among Black-headed Gull flocks at coastal estuaries like Pagham Harbour or Newhaven Harbour, or inland reservoirs. Best chance is late autumn to early spring.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

High-pitched laughing call. Often mixes freely with other gulls but can be picked out by dark hood and buoyant flight.