Species Profile

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

20–27 years

Length

64–79 cm

Weight

1050–2500 g

Wingspan

150–170 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

The world’s largest gull and one formidable seabird, this impressive species lives and breeds along Northern Hemisphere shores on both sides of the Atlantic.

Also known as: Greater Black-backed Gull

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Appearance

The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull species. Its distinctive black back and wings contrast sharply with its white head, neck, and underparts. Its powerful yellow bill has a red spot on the lower mandible, and its legs are pink.

Adults maintain this plumage year-round, while juveniles are mottled brown and gradually acquire adult plumage over four years. There is no significant difference between male and female appearance.

Apart from their larger size, these gulls appear similar to other Larus species like the Herring Gull (gray back) and Lesser Black-backed Gull (yellow legs).

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Secondary: Grey
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Pink

Attributes

Agility75/100

Strength85/100

Adaptability80/100

Aggression90/100

Endurance70/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Great Black-backed Gulls primarily inhabit coastal areas, including rocky shores, estuaries, and harbors. They are found along North America's and Europe's Atlantic coasts, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean.

In North America, they are common along the eastern seaboard, while in Europe, they are widespread in the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Some populations move inland during winter, frequenting large lakes and reservoirs.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

United Kingdom

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Rutland

Cambridgeshire

Bristol

Cheshire

Cornwall

Cumbria

Devon

Dorset

Durham

East Riding of Yorkshire

Essex

East Sussex

Gloucestershire

Hampshire

Hertfordshire

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Isle of Wight

Kent

Merseyside

Lancashire

Lincolnshire

London

Manchester

Northumberland

Norfolk

Northamptonshire

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Nottinghamshire

North Yorkshire

Oxfordshire

South Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear

Suffolk

Somerset

Stockton-on-Tees

Warwickshire

West Yorkshire

West Sussex

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Diet

Great Black-backed Gulls have a varied diet, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and smaller birds. They are also known to scavenge on carrion and scraps, often seen at landfills or following fishing boats.

Their powerful bill allows them to prey on larger animals, including adult puffins and rabbits. They find their food in the intertidal zone, at the surface of open water, and around seabird colonies.

Behaviour

Great Black-backed Gulls are opportunistic feeders, often seen patrolling coastlines for food. They are known for their aggressive behavior, frequently stealing food from other birds.

These gulls are less gregarious than other gull species, often seen alone or in small groups rather than large flocks.

Calls & Sounds

The Great Black-backed Gull has a deep, resonant call, often described as a loud "kyow" or "laughing" sound.

During the breeding season, they produce a variety of vocalizations, including a series of low "ha-ha-ha" notes when defending territory or interacting with mates.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from late April to August, with pairs often returning each year to the same nesting site. Great Black-backed Gulls typically nest on coastal cliffs, islands, or sometimes flat ground near water.

The nest is a large mound of vegetation, feathers, and debris. Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are olive-brown with dark blotches. Both parents share incubation duties.

Incubation lasts about 27-28 days, and chicks fledge after 6-7 weeks. Young gulls reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years of age.

Conservation

While currently listed as Least Concern, Great Black-backed Gulls face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Some populations have declined due to reduced food availability and human disturbance at nesting sites. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding colonies and managing coastal habitats.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 690,000 - 940,000 mature individuals^[2]

Trend: Stable

Elevation

Sea level to 100 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Adult Great Black-backed Gulls have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks may fall prey to foxes, rats, and other large gulls.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for the largest gull on the beach or at sea
Observe its distinctive black back and wings against its white body
Watch for aggressive behavior towards other birds
In the UK and eastern North America, check coastal areas and large inland water bodies