Lesser Black-backed Gull

The lesser black-backed gull is a large gull, 51–64cm long with a wingspan of 124–150cm and a weight of 452–1,100g; males average slightly heavier than females. It is smaller than the European herring gull, and the two belong to a complex group of gulls that forms a ring around the Northern Hemisphere, in which authorities recognise anything from two to eight species. Differences between neighbouring forms are small, but the ends of the ring are clearly distinct. Five subspecies are accepted (Wikipedia, general species account).

It breeds in colonies on coasts and lakes across Atlantic and Arctic Europe, making a lined nest on the ground or a cliff and usually laying three eggs; in some cities it nests on buildings. Like most large gulls it is an omnivore, eating fish, insects, crustaceans, worms, molluscs, seeds, berries, small mammals, eggs and chicks. It is migratory and has increased sharply in North America. In India it is a winter migrant with a moderate range; SoIB 2023 estimates a long-term decline of about 56% and rates it a Moderate conservation priority (Wikipedia, general species account; SoIB 2023).