Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

© 2025
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1 recent observation

Brief #

Dark grey back, yellow bill and legs.

Synonyms #

  • Gaviota sombría (Spanish)
  • Gaivota escura (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

The adults have black or dark grey wings (depending on race) and back. The bill is yellow with a red spot at which the young peck, inducing feeding. They have yellow legs. The head is greyer in winter, unlike great black-backed gulls. Annual moult for adults begins between May and August and is not complete on some birds until November. Partial prebreeding moult occurs between January and April. Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern.

Measurements #

Length: 52 - 64 cm
Wingspan: 1.35 - 1.6 m
Weight: 770 - 770 g

Similar species #