Key information
A very large, thick-set black-backed gull, with a powerful beak. Adults are blacker than the smaller lesser black-backed gull. It has a heavy flight and can look quite hunched when perched. It will fight off other gulls and chase them to snatch food.
What they eat:
Omnivorous - shellfish, birds and carrion.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 64-78cm
- Wingspan:
- 150-165cm
- Weight:
- 1-2kg
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 17,000 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 76,000 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Great black-backed gull (summer plumage)
Great black-backed gull (first-winter plumage)
Great black-backed gull (second-winter plumage)
