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Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in North America. With its dark wings, it's easy to spot!

Habitat: Coastal areas and islands

Appearance

The Great Black-backed Gull is a very large, powerful gull with a distinctive dark slate-gray to black back and upperwings, contrasting sharply with its pure white head and underparts. It has a thick, yellow bill with a prominent red spot near the tip, and pinkish legs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
Great Black-backed Gull
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Great Black-backed Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

34

Interesting facts

Adults have lived over 30 years in the wild, soaring the coasts!

Great Black-backed Gulls can swallow whole rats or small rabbits!

They sometimes steal fish directly from other birds, even puffins!

This giant gull is the largest gull species in the world!

Special abilities

Ability

Apex Scavenger

Great Black-backed Gull can digest almost anything because of powerful stomach acid that helps them eat diverse foods from carrion to garbage.

Ability

Predator's Gaze

Great Black-backed Gull can spot prey from high above with keen eyesight that helps them find fish, other birds, or even small mammals.

Ability

Opportunistic Feaster

Great Black-backed Gull has a wide gape and strong jaws that help them swallow surprisingly large prey whole or tear it into pieces.

Ability

Coastal Master

Great Black-backed Gull can soar effortlessly on coastal winds because of its broad wings that help them cover vast distances over the sea.

Measurements & details

Length
64-79 cm
Wingspan
150-170 cm
Weight
1.3-2.5 kg
Lifespan
20-30 years
Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
26-28 days
Migration Distance
1500 km

Diet & Feeding

A mighty eater, they feast on fish, small birds, eggs, and anything else they can find!

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Other bird chicks
  • Eggs
  • Carrion
  • Marine invertebrates
  • Refuse

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Black-backed Gull

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Great Black-backed Gull?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Great Black-backed Gull?

64-79 cm

What is Great Black-backed Gull's wingspan?

150-170 cm

How much does Great Black-backed Gull weigh?

1.3-2.5 kg

How long does Great Black-backed Gull live?

20-30 years

How fast can Great Black-backed Gull move?

65 km/h

What does Great Black-backed Gull eat?

A mighty eater, they feast on fish, small birds, eggs, and anything else they can find!

Where is Great Black-backed Gull usually found?

Coastal areas and islands

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station place preview
Historic Site42 sightings50 species

US

Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station

"barrier Island" and "beachcombing"

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Derryfield Park place preview
Park46 sightings50 species

New Hampshire, US

Derryfield Park

Hiking, Family Friendly, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Historical Site, Playground, Sports Facilities, Dog Friendly, Cross Country Running, Wheelchair Accessible

You might spot Eastern White Pine, Eastern Skunk Cabbage, and Duck.

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East 73rd Street Historic District place preview
Historic District48 sightings50 species

New York, US

East 73rd Street Historic District

Architecture and Brownstones

You might spot White Snakeroot, Rock Pigeon, and Eastern Gray Squirrel.

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Fort Revere Park place preview
State Park40 sightings50 species

US

Fort Revere Park

Coastal Views and Dog Friendly

You might spot Common Eider, American Herring Gull, and Common Periwinkle.

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Harkness Memorial State Park place preview
Botanical Garden45 sightings50 species

Connecticut, US

Harkness Memorial State Park

Coastal, Historic Mansion, Formal Gardens, Birdwatching, Picnicking, Walking Trails, Family Friendly, Accessible, Wildlife Viewing, Gilded Age

You might spot Brant, American Herring Gull, and Double-Crested Cormorant.

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Hempstead Historic District place preview
Historic District44 sightings50 species

Connecticut, US

Hempstead Historic District

19th Century and Abolitionist History

You might spot Common Mugwort, Canada Goose, and American Herring Gull.

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