Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 20.5–25.2 in
52–64 cm - Wingspan
- 53.1–59.1 in
135–150 cm - Weight
- 19.2–35.3 oz
545–1000 g
Other Names
Cool Facts
- The Lesser Black-backed Gull is divided into several different subspecies that differ in the darkness of the back. Nearly all individuals that reach North America are of the graellsii subspecies that breeds in Iceland, Britain, and western Europe. It is the palest of the forms, with its back being much lighter than the black wingtips.
- At a Lesser Black-backed Gull breeding colony, immatures, nonbreeding adults, and failed and off-duty breeders form "clubs" near the colony, where they spend time "loafing," resting, and preening. In colonies where other gull species are mixed in, clubs tend to be composed of one species only.
Habitat
Shore-line
Breeds on tundra, along coasts, and on islands in lakes and larger rivers. Winters along coastal regions, bays, estuaries, along lakes and rivers, and at garbage dumps.
Food
Omnivore
Fish, marine invertebrates, insects, birds, eggs, carrion, garbage.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 1–4 eggs
- Egg Description
- Olive with markings variable or lacking.
- Condition at Hatching
- Chicks semiprecocial at hatching; may leave nest cup in several days. Covered in cryptically colored down.
Nest Description
Depression in fairly substantial mound of seaweed, grasses, other vegetation, and general debris, lined with finer material; less often shallow scrape with sparse lining. Placed on ground. Nests in colonies.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Ground Forager
Captures prey while walking or swimming, dips food from surface of water. Steals food from other birds.
Conservation
Least Concern
Expanding both wintering and breeding ranges.