Lesser Black-backed Gull

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is a medium-large gull native to Europe, distinguished from other dark-backed gulls by its combination of dark slate-gray to blackish upperparts and bright yellow legs. Its range and numbers have expanded considerably in recent decades, and it is now regularly found well inland at landfills, reservoirs, and agricultural fields in addition to its traditional coastal haunts.

Adult mantle feathers vary geographically from dark slate-gray to nearly blackish depending on subspecies, generally darker than Herring Gull but somewhat variable, sitting between Herring Gull and the very dark Great Black-backed Gull in tone. Outer primary feathers are black with white tips and typically one or two white mirrors. Immature birds show a mottled dark brown pattern similar to other large gulls, taking about four years to reach full adult plumage, with each successive year showing progressively darker, cleaner gray-black back feathers and less brown mottling in the wings. The relatively slim, elongated body shape compared to Herring Gull can also aid identification alongside feather tone.

Sexes look alike in plumage, with males averaging larger. This is a four-year gull, passing through a sequence of increasingly dark and less mottled immature plumages before reaching full adult pattern. Nonbreeding adults show some brownish streaking on the head and neck, in contrast to the cleaner white head of breeding adults. A complete post-breeding molt replaces flight feathers over an extended period, often completed on wintering grounds.

Breeds along coastlines, moorland, and increasingly rooftops across northern and western Europe. Outside the breeding season it has become increasingly common well inland, using landfills, reservoirs, and large agricultural fields in addition to traditional coastal and estuarine habitats, with many populations migrating south to wintering areas in southern Europe and Africa.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls are opportunistic feeders, taking fish, invertebrates, carrion, and human food waste, and are frequent visitors to landfills and agricultural fields as well as coastal foraging areas. Nests are built on the ground, cliff ledges, or increasingly on urban rooftops, often in colonies, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Its call is a deep, wailing series similar to other large gulls, generally slightly higher-pitched than Great Black-backed Gull. Conservation status is IUCN Least Concern, and the species has expanded its range and numbers substantially in recent decades.