Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Lesser Black-backed Gull is a large seabird with a distinctive dark grey to black back and wings, contrasting with its white head, neck, and underparts. Its yellow legs and bill with a red spot near the tip are key identifying features.
Adults display bright white heads in summer, while winter plumage shows light brown streaking. Juveniles have mottled brown plumage, gradually acquiring adult colouration over four years.
Males and females are alike in size and appearance.
Size
Length
52cm to 64cm
Wingspan
135cm to 155cm
Weight
550g to 1000g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Black White
Beak Colour
Yellow Red
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Lesser Black-backed Gulls primarily inhabit coastal areas, including rocky shores, estuaries, and harbours. They breed across Northern Europe and winter along the coasts of Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Africa.
In the UK, they are common year-round, with increasing numbers nesting in urban areas. During winter, they can be found along the eastern coast of North America, from Newfoundland to Florida.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Lesser Black-backed Gull. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Lesser Black-backed Gull demonstrates high agility in flight, adeptly manoeuvring to catch prey and navigate coastal winds. Their ability to perform complex aerial displays during courtship further showcases their impressive agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a robust build and the capacity to carry prey items, these gulls exhibit considerable strength. Their ability to defend territories and engage in food-stealing behaviour from other birds indicates a good level of physical power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Exceptionally adaptable, Lesser Black-backed Gulls thrive in diverse environments from coastal areas to urban settings. Their varied diet and ability to nest on both natural and man-made structures demonstrate remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These gulls display significant aggression, particularly during breeding season and when defending food sources. Their tendency to steal food from other birds and their bold behaviour around humans in urban areas reflect their aggressive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Lesser Black-backed Gulls exhibit outstanding endurance, capable of long-distance migrations exceeding 5,000 km. Their ability to withstand diverse climates and their long lifespan of up to 32 years in the wild are testament to their exceptional endurance.
Diet
Lesser Black-backed Gulls have a varied diet that includes fish, marine invertebrates, and terrestrial insects. They are also known to eat the eggs and chicks of other birds, small mammals, and human food waste. Their adaptable feeding habits contribute to their success in urban environments.
Behaviour
Lesser Black-backed Gulls are highly adaptable and opportunistic. They often follow fishing boats to scavenge discards and are known to steal food from other birds.
These gulls form large, noisy colonies during the breeding season, displaying complex social behaviours, including elaborate courtship rituals.
Vocalisation
Lesser Black-backed Gulls have a variety of vocalisations. Their most common call is a harsh, laughing 'kyow-kyow-kyow'. During courtship, they produce a softer 'mew' sound. When alarmed, they emit a sharp, high-pitched 'kee-yah' that serves as a warning to the colony.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Lesser Black-backed Gulls typically begins in April. They form monogamous pairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays, including head-tossing and mew-calling.
Nests are built on the ground or on flat rooftops, constructed from grass, seaweed, and other available materials. Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are olive brown with dark splotches.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 25 days. Chicks fledge after 35-40 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Lesser Black-backed Gulls face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and managing urban populations to reduce conflicts with humans.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them near coastal areas, especially around harbours and estuaries
- Observe their distinctive dark grey to black back to differentiate them from other gull species
- Listen for their harsh, laughing call, especially in breeding colonies
- In the UK, watch for them inland, as they increasingly nest on urban rooftops
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to large raptors, foxes, and rats.
Did You Know?
- Lesser Black-backed Gulls can live for over 30 years in the wild.
- They are capable of drinking both fresh and salt water.
- Some individuals migrate over 7,000 km (4,350 miles) between breeding and wintering grounds.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Larus fuscus (errata version published in 2022). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22694373A211737029.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
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