Birds and wildlife

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusGroup: Gulls and ternsUK Conservation status:Amber

How to identify

Slightly smaller than a Herring Gull, the Lesser Black-backed Gull has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. Their world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution, they increased their range and numbers. But this trend is beginning to reverse and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The UK is home to 40% of the European population most of which are found at a handful of sites. This means the species is now on the Amber List.

Call

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Niels Krabbe / xeno-canto

Key features to look out for

  • The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than a Herring Gull
  • Dark grey back and wings, a yellow bill, and yellow legs
  • Their black wingtips have white spots
  • These gulls measure between 52 and 64cm
  • Their call consists of various barks and yelps
Lesser Black-backed Gull, adult resting on water
Lesser Black-backed Gull
There’s no such thing as a seagull – your guide to UK gull identification

A common sight on our coastlines and a summertime soundtrack, here’s a guide to the six most common UK gull species.

Where and when to see them

Lesser Black-backed Gulls can be seen in the UK all year round but some of our breeding population moves south during the autumn to spend winter around the coast of southern Spain, Portugal, and as far as north Africa. You can see Lesser Black-backed Gulls on coastal areas all year round. They can also be seen on estuaries, shorelines, and farmland.

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Behaviour

They can often be seen with flocks of other large gulls. They feed on a large variety of food including fish, worms, and edible rubbish (and abandoned chips).

Nesting

They tend to nest on a patch of grass on the ground but have expanded to use rooftops of some buildings in certain areas. They begin breeding at four years old when the female lays two to three eggs.

Gulls and the law: What to do if gulls nest on your roof

Did you know that there is more than one type of ‘seagull’? In fact, there are around 50 species worldwide and six types which commonly breed in the UK! Perhaps you have that noticed that not all of them are seen by the sea? 

Key facts