GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL : Larus marinus
Where to see them : Along our coasts and sometimes inland.
This is the largest of the gulls found here and as its name suggests it has a striking black back as well as a heavy yellow bill and flesh-pink legs. In flight feathers the primary feathers display white spots known as ‘mirrors’. Immature gulls can look rather different, but can be identified by comparing them to the adults. As they vary in the way they look according to age, sex and season, it is best to refer to the RSPB link given below to be sure. Great black-backed gulls have much in common with their smaller counterparts described below. The greater black-back gull has pink legs.
