Species Profile

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

Lesser Black-Backed Gull

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

20–32 years

Length

52–64 cm

Weight

550–1000 g

Wingspan

135–155 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

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

Also known as: Baltic Gull

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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.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Grey
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Yellow

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength70/100

Adaptability95/100

Aggression80/100

Endurance90/100

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

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.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

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

United Kingdom

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Rutland

Cambridgeshire

Bedfordshire

Buckinghamshire

Berkshire

Bristol

Cheshire

Cornwall

Cumbria

Derbyshire

Devon

Dorset

Durham

East Riding of Yorkshire

Essex

East Sussex

Gloucestershire

Hampshire

Herefordshire

Hertfordshire

Isle of Wight

Kent

Merseyside

Lancashire

Leicestershire

Lincolnshire

London

Manchester

Northumberland

Norfolk

Northamptonshire

Nottinghamshire

North Yorkshire

Oxfordshire

South Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear

West Midlands

Suffolk

Shropshire

Somerset

Surrey

Staffordshire

Stockton-on-Tees

Warwickshire

Wiltshire

West Yorkshire

Worcestershire

West Sussex

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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.

Calls & Sounds

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

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.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 940,000 - 2,070,000 individuals^[3]

Trend: Increasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 1,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to large raptors, foxes, and rats.

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

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.