Larus marinus
The Great Black-backed Gull, *Larus marinus*, stands as the undisputed giant among gulls, a formidable avian predator and scavenger of the North Atlantic. Adults are characterized by their magnificent glossy black mantle and upper wings, contrasting sharply with pristine white underparts, head, and tail, complemented by a robust yellow bill featuring a distinctive red spot near the gonys. This impressive species can reach lengths of 71-79 cm (28-31 inches), boast a wingspan up to 170 cm (67 i...
Primarily a species of marine and coastal environments, the Great Black-backed Gull favors rocky shores, remote islands, sea cliffs, sandy beaches, estuaries, and increasingly, urban coastal areas and fishing ports. It maintains a strong association with the ocean and rarely ventures far inland, ...
The Great Black-backed Gull is an extremely opportunistic and omnivorous predator and scavenger, consuming a diverse array of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, eggs, chicks and adult birds (including other gulls), small mammals, carrion, and human refuse. Its primary foraging methods include ...
Great Black-backed Gulls are predominantly diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and defending their territories, often roosting in large, noisy flocks on open water, secluded islands, or shoreline sandbars at night. Their foraging strategies are remarkably opportunistic and predatory, e...
The Great Black-backed Gull boasts a wide distribution across the North Atlantic Ocean. Its primary breeding range extends from the northeastern coast of North America, including eastern Canada and coastal New England states, eastward across Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, to the coast...
Least Concern
- The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull species in the world, with some individuals boasting a wingspan over 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) and weighing over 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds). - They are notorious predators, capable of preying on adult birds as large as puffins, young gannets, and even o...