Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Lesser Black-backed Gull
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Larus fuscus
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Voice
Alarm
Sonothèque ADVL
Call
Sonothèque ADVL
Song
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
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Large gull, slimmer than Herring Gull
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Dark grey to black back and upper wings
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Bright yellow legs
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Yellow bill with a red spot on the lower mandible
About the species
The lesser black-backed gull is a large gull with a light build and long, neat wings. Adults are easiest to remember by the bright yellow legs and darker upper side, while young ones stay mottled for a long time and do not settle into adult plumage until the fourth year.
It is steady and unhurried in its movements. Before nesting, it becomes noisy, calls loudly, throws its head back or down, bends its body, and may feed its partner.
It breeds on coasts and around large lakes, and sometimes settles on islands or even rooftops when space is tight. It eats fish, molluscs, insects, worms, berries, seeds, carrion, and whatever else is easy to get, and most populations move south for winter.
Where to find
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Along canal banks, pond edges, and lakeshores — especially at reedy margins — Lesser Black-backed Gulls often stand on the ground or walk the shoreline while foraging.
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On flat rooftops and near bridges over water, look for short glides, quick landings, and perches in wind-sheltered spots.
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Around landfill edges, container yards, and near fish stalls, they stroll over the ground picking up scraps and small prey.
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On open grassy strips by the water and vacant lots near the shoreline, spring brings loud calling and display flights.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Larus fuscus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Lesser black-backed gull Encyclopedia article