Chroicocephalus genei, commonly known as the Slender-billed Gull, is a bird species belonging to the family Laridae. This elegant and slender seabird is known for its graceful appearance and distinctive features.

• Appearance: Adults have a white body with pale grey wings and a long, slender, slightly downcurved bill. In the breeding season, the head shows a faint pinkish tint, and they have a distinctive dark ‘mask’ around the eyes.
• Size: The Slender-billed Gull typically measures 37-40 cm in length with a wingspan of about 90-102 cm.
• Habitat: It is commonly found in coastal regions, particularly in lagoons, estuaries, and salt marshes. In the Comunidad Valenciana, it can often be seen near the Albufera de Valencia, where it thrives in the area’s rich ecosystems.
• Diet: This species primarily feeds on fish, invertebrates, and occasionally insects, which they catch by flying over shallow waters or picking them from the surface.
• Breeding: The Slender-billed Gull breeds in colonies, laying eggs in simple nests on the ground. Breeding sites are often located on islands or in saltpans where there is some protection from predators.
• Conservation Status: It is listed as a species of Least Concern, but like many seabirds, it faces threats from habitat loss and disturbance.

In the Comunidad Valenciana, the Slender-billed Gull is appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its role in the local ecosystem, marking it as a species of interest for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts visiting the region.