They harry other birds to steal their food and even hunt adult birds such as grebes and puffins. Adults are handsome with broad black wings, gleaming white head, and big yellow bill. Generated from eBird observations (Year-Round, 1900-present) Explore more on eBird Distribution in the Americas Information needed. Videos Photo Gallery Distribution Maps. Contribute Distribution outside the Americas Information needed. Adults have dark black backs that contrast with their white body feathers. In breeding plumage adults have black backs and wings and large white spots on the tips of their primaries. A very heavy gull with a heavy bill and broad wings. Adults are handsome with broad black wings, gleaming white head, and big yellow bill. Also, note whiter head and colder black-and-white tones than immature Herring Gull. Largest gull in the world. Contribute Historical changes Information needed. Adults are handsome with broad black wings, gleaming white head, and big yellow bill. Large white windows at tips of primaries, and broad white trailing edge of wing. Great black-backed gulls are the largest species of gulls in the world. Contribute Distribution outside the Americas Information needed. The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus), mistakenly called greater black-backed gull by some, is the largest member of the gull family. Contribute Fossil history Information needed. Birding Virginia Beach. Contribute Habitat Information needed. The Great Black-backed Gull, or Larus marinus, are Europe’s largest gulls, and that have very dark grey (almost black) backs, hence their name. Contents[show] Appearance The black-backed gull has black wings and back, with white underparts and head. All topics bird-related in Virginia Beach, VA! Great Black-backed Gull Its occurrence on this continent increased dramatically over the last third of … Other articles where Great black-backed gull is discussed: gull: The great black-backed gull (L. marinus), with a wingspread of 1.6 metres (63 inches), is the largest gull. Contribute Fossil history Information needed. See Identification Tips page for "typical gulls" for information on distinguishing between similar species. Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) Appearance: Adults: Black back and pinkish legs. Juveniles with pale head, boldly spotted back … Adults are handsome with broad black wings, gleaming white head, and big yellow bill. eBird range map for Great Black-backed Gull. Despite putting up a valiant fight, this unfortunate Great Black-backed Gull ended up making an easy meal for a Bald Eagle. Contribute Historical changes Information needed. eBird range map for Great Black-backed Gull. … Juvenile has mottled brownish back, which molts to pale gray by winter. Contribute Habitat Information needed. Generated from eBird observations (Year-Round, 1900-present) Explore more on eBird Distribution in the Americas Information needed. Thick bill and large size help separate immatures from other gulls. Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus. It breeds on the European and North American coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and is fairly sedentary, though some move farther south or inland to large lakes or reservoirs. Found primarily at coastal sites in the Northeast U.S., the Great Lakes, and Europe. Common across Europe, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is an uncommon, but regular visitor to eastern North America. Breeding adult has dark brown (not black) hood, red bill and legs; nonbreeding and immature have dark cheek spot on white head, dark tip to bill. They harry other birds to steal their food and even hunt adult birds such as grebes and puffins. They harry other birds to steal their food and even hunt adult birds such as grebes and puffins. The king of the Atlantic waterfront, the Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in the world, with a powerful build and a domineering attitude. The king of the Atlantic waterfront, the Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in the world, with a powerful build and a domineering attitude.