It is migratory, wintering on the coasts and large inland lakes of the Indian Subcontinent.

This gull breeds in colonies in large reedbeds or marshes, or on islands in lakes, nesting on the ground.

This is a bold and opportunist feeder, which will scavenge in towns or take invertebrates in ploughed fields with equal relish.

The brown hood is lost in winter, leaving just dark vertical streaks.

First year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings, and, in summer, a less homogeneous hood.