BACOLOD CITY – Cadiz City in Negros Occidental has welcomed the arrival of the black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus).
BLACK-headed gulls in Barangay Daga, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Caceres, Cadiz ENRO)
This rare migratory bird, currently in their non-breeding winter plumage, was spotted in the coastal Barangay Daga.
The city government said this reinforces Cadiz City’s reputation of a clean and thriving environment.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. highlighted the significance of this sighting. The presence of this bird is a testament to the ecological richness of the city’s mudflats, he said.
“It showcases the village’s importance as a haven for migratory birds along critical flyways,” Escalanate said.
He added that their appearance signals a healthy environment that supports diverse bird species, offering abundant food, safe resting areas, and thriving biodiversity.
Escalante encouraged residents and visitors to spot and appreciate this beautiful bird. “Every sighting helps raise awareness about Cadiz City’s role in protecting migratory species,” he said.
Black-headed gulls are native to Europe and Asia with a population that also thrives in Canada. Known for their wide range, they breed across much of the Palearctic – the second largest region on Earth and covers Europe, Central Asia up to Pakistan and Kazakhstan, and Siberia.