Great black-backed gull

What do they look like?

The great black-backed gull is a huge, slow-flying bird with pink legs and black tips on each wing. It’s the largest gull species in Scotland (and the world) and has a white head and underside with dark grey/black feathers across its back and wings.

When can I see them in Scotland?

All year

Where can I see them in Scotland?

Great black-backed gulls can be spotted around the Scottish coast and are also increasingly common in urban habitats like fields, lochs, and reservoirs.

Conservation Status:

In the UK, bird species with breeding, passage or wintering populations are assessed by experts and assigned to the Red, Amber or Green lists of conservation concern. Greater black-backed gulls are currently an ‘Amber’ listed species.