ExploreBirds

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is a medium-sized bird with a striking black back and white wings. These gulls are often seen near the coast, where they love to hunt for fish and scavenge for food.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Lesser Black-backed Gull has a dark slate-grey to black back and wings, which contrasts sharply with its white underside. It sports bright yellow legs and a yellow bill tipped with a distinct red spot, making it visually distinct from similar gulls.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus
Lesser Black-backed Gull
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgescavenger trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
Lesser Black-backed Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Some gulls are super smart and can remember human faces for years!

These birds are amazing travellers, following fishing boats far out to sea!

They can drink both fresh and saltwater without getting sick!

They often build their nests on city rooftops high above the ground!

Special abilities

Ability

Keen Eyesight

Lesser Black-backed Gulls have excellent vision because it helps them spot food from high in the sky or over water.

Ability

Powerful Flight

Lesser Black-backed Gulls can fly long distances because their strong wings help them migrate across continents.

Ability

Master Scavenger

Lesser Black-backed Gulls have a flexible diet because they can eat almost anything, from fish to discarded food.

Measurements & details

Length
50-60 cm
Wingspan
125-150 cm
Weight
0.69-1.1 kg
Lifespan
20-25 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
27-30 days
Migration Distance
5000 km

Diet & Feeding

A hungry bird that eats almost anything, from fish and insects to human scraps!

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Insects
  • Carrion
  • Berries
  • Human refuse

Foraging Method

  • Scavenging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Lesser Black-backed Seagull

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch from a distance and don't feed the gulls, as they can be a bit cheeky!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Lesser Black-backed Gull?

50-60 cm

What is Lesser Black-backed Gull's wingspan?

125-150 cm

How much does Lesser Black-backed Gull weigh?

0.69-1.1 kg

How long does Lesser Black-backed Gull live?

20-25 years

How fast can Lesser Black-backed Gull move?

70 km/h

What does Lesser Black-backed Gull eat?

A hungry bird that eats almost anything, from fish and insects to human scraps!

Where is Lesser Black-backed Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Lesser Black-backed Gull hunt?

Scavenging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds