Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Lesser Black-backed Gull is slightly smaller than Herring Gull with a slate-grey to dark grey back (darker than Herring Gull) and yellow legs rather than pink. It's a summer breeder on UK moorlands and islands and largely migrates south for winter — though increasing numbers now overwinter. Common on Sefton Coast farmland and beach. With Herring Gulls for comparison, the darker back and yellow legs are usually obvious.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Habitat | Beach · Estuary · Farmland · Coastal lagoon |
| Diet | Fish, invertebrates, carrion, scraps |
| UK population | Around 110,000 pairs; amber-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Common year-round, particularly on farmland and beach; roost at Marshside in winter |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Beach, Marshside lagoons, farmland. Often in flocks with Herring Gulls.
Identification
Medium-large gull. Dark grey to slate back (variable — much darker than Herring Gull). Yellow legs (pink on Herring). Yellow bill with red spot. Same pattern on wingtips as Herring but darker back makes white spots more prominent.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check gull flocks on the beach and farmland. Yellow legs and dark grey back distinguish them from pink-legged, paler-backed Herring Gulls in mixed flocks.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Lesser from Great Black-backed Gull?
Size is the most obvious difference — Great Black-backed Gull is substantially larger, approaching the size of a small goat in impression. The back of the Great Black-backed is much blacker; Lesser Black-backed ranges from mid-grey to dark grey but is rarely as jet-black. Bill size is also much larger on Great. The leg colour is the same (yellow) on adults of both species.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.