The Chroicocephalus ridibundus, commonly known as the Black-headed Gull, is native to parts of Europe and Asia. Its distribution spans from the British Isles across to East Asia, including China and Japan, and it is also found in portions of North Africa during the breeding season. The species is widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the Palearctic.

Black-headed Gulls inhabit a variety of wetland environments. They are commonly found along coasts, estuaries, marshes, lakes, and rivers. During the breeding season, they prefer freshwater or brackish wetlands, often nesting on islands in lakes or marshes. These habitats typically feature moderate climates with distinct seasonal variations that provide suitable conditions for breeding and foraging.

As an opportunistic feeder, the Black-headed Gull occupies an ecological niche that allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources. It feeds on small fish, insects, crustaceans, worms, and sometimes scavenges human leftovers. This adaptability in feeding helps it thrive in varying environmental conditions, from urban settings to natural wetlands. The species' adaptability to different foraging locations and diet choices makes it an integral part of its ecosystem, often influencing the local food web dynamics.