Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Great Black-backed Gull
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Larus marinus
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Voice
Call
Sonothèque ADVL
Call
Doug Hynes
Alarm
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
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Largest gull; bulky body, long broad wings
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Adult: white head and underparts, black back and upperwings
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Yellow bill with red spot; pinkish legs
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Deep harsh laughing call; young brown and spotted
About the species
The Great Black-backed Gull is hard to miss: heavy, powerful, and strikingly bold. Adults stand out by the strong contrast of a pale body and dark wings, along with a large bill that gives them a very solid look.
It behaves like an opportunist and a bully, quick to hunt, steal food, or take whatever is easy to swallow. Its voice is deep and rough, and that heavy, blunt sound fits its whole manner.
It lives along North Atlantic coasts and islands, and some populations move south in winter while others stay put. It feeds mainly on fish, but also takes scraps, insects, small animals, eggs, and other available food, so it may turn up near dumps, shores, or large inland waters.
Where to find
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Along waterfronts and piers — especially near bins, fish-cleaning spots, or other scraps, where a huge gull stands on a concrete edge and tears at food.
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By canal banks, ponds, and large reservoirs — on the shallows or along the ice line, scanning for fish and anything stirred up near the water.
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On the roofs of tall buildings and warehouses near water — the bulky dark-backed shape and a deep rasping call can give away a nest site.
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On lawns and vacant lots after rain — walking with long strides and picking up anything edible, from crumbs to insects.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Larus marinus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Great black-backed gull Encyclopedia article