Lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus), representing one of three coastal surface feeding species within the scope of the project, was initially instrumented with GLS loggers at 8 SEATRACK localities since 2017.
The lesser black-backed gull has been a SEATRACK species since the beginning of the programme in 2014. In 2024, lesser-black-backed gulls were reintroduced to SEATRACK and deployment of GLS and GPS loggers, as well as GPS-GSM transmitters, were started on this species at 2 locations.
The overall trend of lesser black-backed gull populations is increasing and classified as being of “least concern” on IUCN 2015 red list.
Lesser black-backed gulls are members of the Laridae family and are often classified into three subspecies; L.f. graellsii. L.f. fuscus and L.f. imtermedius. Their breeding range extends from the northern coast of Russia (White Sea), along the coast of Scandinavia, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and northern United Kingdom and Iceland. Breeding populations can be found year-round on the coast of Portugal, southern Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France.
Adults in breeding plumage have a dark grey back and wings, with black wingtips with white mirrors. Head and underparts are white. The bill is yellow with a red spot, eyes are yellow with red orbital rings and legs are normally yellow. Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on the head and neck.
Lesser black-backed gulls are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders but mainly forage at sea. They are mostly piscivourous feeding on small fish such as herring and sand lance but are known to feed on marine and terrestrial invertebrates, bird eggs and young, carrion, offal, rodents and berries. Lesser black-backed gulls often follow fishing vessels, feeding on discarded by-catch.
Featured image: Jan Ove Gjershaug.
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