Great black-backed gull
Larus marinus
The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is the largest member of the gull and tern family Laridae.
About the Great black-backed gull
The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is the largest member of the gull and tern family Laridae. It is a very aggressive hunter, pirate and scavenger which breeds on the North Atlantic coasts and islands of northern Europe and northeastern North America. Southern populations are generally sedentary, while those breeding in the far north (northern Norway, northwest Russia) migrate farther south in winter. A few also move inland to large lakes and reservoirs. The adult has a white head, neck and underparts, dark blackish-grey wings and back, pink legs and the bill yellow with a red spot.
Fun Facts About Great black-backed gull
- The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is the largest member of the gull and tern family Laridae.
- Southern populations are generally sedentary, while those breeding in the far north (northern Norway, northwest Russia) migrate farther south in winter.
- It is a very aggressive hunter, pirate and scavenger which breeds on the North Atlantic coasts and islands of northern Europe and northeastern North America.
Conservation Status
The Great black-backed gull is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | Larus marinus |
Range & Habitat
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