Lesser Black-backed Gull

The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull, distinguishable by its size and the coloration of its plumage. It is smaller than the European herring gull and exhibits a range of mantle colors across its subspecies, from dark grey to jet black.

Identification Tips

Adult lesser black-backed gulls have yellow legs and a yellow bill with a red spot. Their wings and back are either black or dark grey, depending on the subspecies. In winter, the head becomes greyer. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a distinctive wing pattern. They can be differentiated from juvenile herring gulls by their darker, unbarred tertial feathers.

Habitat

This species is found along coasts and lakes, where it breeds and feeds. It has adapted to urban environments in some cities, nesting alongside herring gulls.

Distribution

The lesser black-backed gull breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and is migratory, wintering from the British Isles to West Africa. It has expanded its range to North America, particularly along the east coast, where it is now present year-round in increasing numbers.

Behaviour

These gulls are social birds, breeding colonially. They exhibit a fixed action pattern during feeding, where the young peck at the red spot on the adult's bill to induce regurgitation.

Song & Calls

The call of the lesser black-backed gull is a deep-pitched "laughing" cry, similar to that of the herring gull but noticeably lower in tone.

Breeding

Nesting occurs on the ground or cliffs, with a preference for coastal and lake environments. The species typically lays three eggs and has been known to nest within urban areas.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous bird, the lesser black-backed gull's diet includes fish, insects, crustaceans, worms, starfish, molluscs, seeds, berries, small mammals, eggs, small birds, chicks, scraps, offal, and carrion.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the lesser black-backed gull as Least Concern. However, there is concern about declines in parts of its range, and it is on the UK Amber List due to its significant population in the UK and the concentration of these birds at a limited number of breeding sites.