Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus, the Lesser Black-backed Gull, boasts a striking dark grey back and vivid yellow legs. This adaptable seabird thrives along European coasts, migrating seasonally. Known for its resourceful feeding habits, it significantly contributes to ecosystem balance by regulating fish populations and scavenging waste.
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Increasing
Population Trend
Distribution Range of the Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus, commonly known as the Lesser Black-backed Gull, is native to the Palearctic region. Its geographical distribution includes parts of Europe, particularly in countries like the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The species is also found along the Atlantic coast and islands of North-West Africa, including Morocco, Mauritania, and the Canary Islands. During migrations, these gulls can be seen more widely across Europe and into Western Asia.
Lesser Black-backed Gull's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The typical habitat of the Lesser Black-backed Gull includes coastal regions, estuaries, and islands where they are often found breeding. These areas are typically characterized by a temperate climate. During the breeding season, they prefer islands with cliffs or open tundra with access to the sea. Outside the breeding season, they inhabit coastal waters and can be found inland near large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
Ecological Niche
Lesser Black-backed Gulls are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet that includes fish, marine invertebrates, insects, and even carrion or human refuse. This dietary flexibility allows them to inhabit a variety of environments from remote islands to urban settings. They have adapted to foraging both by diving into water and scavenging on land, making them well-suited to varied ecological niches along coasts and urban areas.
Copyright @ Nature Style Limited. All Rights Reserved.