Great Black-backed Gull look-alikes
Larus marinus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Great Black-backed Gull. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Key differences
The Great Black-backed Gull is significantly larger and heavier. Its mantle is darker (slate-black vs. dark grey/black in Lesser Black-backed), and its legs are pink (vs. yellow in Lesser Black-backed). The bill of the Great Black-backed is also proportionally heavier and more robust.
Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
Key differences
The Great Black-backed Gull is much larger with a much darker mantle (slate-black vs. pale grey in Herring Gull). Its bill is also heavier and the eye is paler yellow. Juvenile Herring Gulls are browner overall, lacking the stark, almost black elements of juvenile Great Black-backed Gulls.
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