Lesser Black-backed Gull -- South Dakota Birds

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.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: Wide range of calls similar to other gulls.

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

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

South Dakota "HotSpot": Most sightings of this gull in the state have been along the Missouri River in and around the Pierre / Oahe Dam area.

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

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

3) E-nature.com: Lesser Black-backed Gull

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

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08