Lesser Great Black-backed Gull
The Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) is a large, elegant gull primarily found in Europe. While it shares some visual similarities with the larger Great Black-backed Gull, it is more closely related to the Herring Gull in size and vocalization.
Key Identification Features:
Subspecies:
Taxonomists recognize several subspecies that vary primarily by the darkness of their plumage:
Behavior and Habitat:
Conservation Status:
In the UK, the species is Amber-listed due to a significant portion of its population residing at a small number of sites. While widespread, they face threats from climate change, habitat loss, and competition with larger gull species.
Key Identification Features:
- Legs: Unlike the pink legs of Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls, adults have bright yellow legs.
- Back (Mantle): Features a dark slate-grey to blackish back, which is generally paler than the jet-black back of the Great Black-backed Gull.
- Size: Smaller and slimmer than the Great Black-backed Gull, with a length of approximately 52–64 cm (20.5–25.2 in).
- Wings: Noticeably long and slender; when perched, the wingtips extend significantly beyond the tail.
- Bill: Yellow with a red spot on the lower mandible in adults.
Subspecies:
Taxonomists recognize several subspecies that vary primarily by the darkness of their plumage:
- L. f. graellsii: Found in the UK, Iceland, and Western Europe; the palest subspecies with a slate-grey back.
- L. f. intermedius: Breeds in Scandinavia and the Netherlands; slightly darker than graellsii.
- L. f. fuscus: The "nominate" race from the Baltic region; the smallest and darkest, with a jet-black back.
Behavior and Habitat:
- Diet: Omnivorous and opportunistic, consuming fish, insects, crustaceans, small mammals, and human refuse from landfills or urban areas.
- Nesting: Breeds in colonies on coastal cliffs, islands, and increasingly on rooftops in urban environments.
- Migration: Migratory in nature; many birds from northern populations winter in Africa, though more individuals are now remaining in the UK and Western Europe year-round.
Conservation Status:
In the UK, the species is Amber-listed due to a significant portion of its population residing at a small number of sites. While widespread, they face threats from climate change, habitat loss, and competition with larger gull species.