Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is normally a Eurasian gull, but has been seen with increasing frequency in North America in recent decades.  This may be due to a large increase in numbers in Iceland.  As numbers continue to increase, it's quite possible that the Lesser Black-backed Gull may one day begin breeding in North America.

Habitat: Primarily found along coastlines, but also occasionally around inland lakes (especially the Great Lakes).

Diet: Omnivorous.  Feeds on fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, worms, eggs, small birds, small rodents, amphibians, carrion, refuse, berries, and other plant material.

Behavior: Will forage by walking on land, wading in shallow water, dipping down to the water's surface while in flight, or by swimming.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Wide range of calls similar to other gulls.

Migration: Normally a European Gull, stragglers might be found in the U.S. at any month.

Similar Species: Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull.  See Identification Tips.

Conservation Status: Has increased in both range and numbers in recent decades, and is increasingly more common in North America.

South Dakota "Hotspot": A rarity in the state, but most sightings of the species have occurred near the Missouri River dams.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Lesser Black-backed Gull

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Lesser Black-backed Gull"

3) eNature.com: Lesser Black-backed Gull

Photo Information: April 6th, 2003 -- Pierre, South Dakota -- Doug Backlund