Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

This adaptable seabird thrives on both coasts and urban landscapes, known for its distinctive dark wings and yellow legs.

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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

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Lesser Black-backed Gull can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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