Lesser Black‑backed Gull (Larus fuscus) - Birds Around Me 0268
The Lesser Black‑backed Gull (Larus fuscus) is a graceful, medium‑sized gull that breeds along the Atlantic and Arctic coasts of Europe. Migratory in nature, it winters as far south as West Africa and has become increasingly common in North America. Adults are distinguished by their dark gray back, slender wings, and bright yellow legs, features that set them apart from the bulkier Herring Gull. They forage along shorelines, estuaries, and even landfills, feeding on fish, shellfish, insects, and scraps. Their long wings and agile flight make them elegant in the air, and they take four to five years to reach full adult plumage. Lesser Black‑backed Gull (Larus fuscus) Iceland, July 2025 By contrast, the Greater Black‑backed Gull (Larus marinus) is the largest gull species in the world, earning the nickname “king of the Atlantic waterfront.” With a wingspan that can exceed 1.7 meters, it dwarfs the Lesser Black‑backed Gull. Adults show broad black wings, a gleaming white head, ...