Great Black-backed Gull

The world’s largest gull. Alongside other gulls, its powerful bill, thick neck and very dark back are particularly striking.

A recording has not been added yet. Use the identification notes below for now.

I know this bird · Record a sighting Where to look & how to find it ↓

FIELDCRAFT · FIND WITH CARE

Finding guide

Habitat first

Choose the season, find the habitat, then watch patiently. Search guidance is not a measure of rarity or conservation status.

When to go: All year
Where to start: Howth Harbour, Dún Laoghaire’s piers and the Dublin Bay coastline.
What to do when you arrive: Look for exceptionally large, black-backed gulls at harbours and rocky shores. Compare the heavy bill, size and pink legs with nearby gulls from safe shore viewpoints.

Habitat and behaviour reference: BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · The practical steps are editorial advice based on the references, not live sightings.

SPECIES NOTESSpecies notes

How to identify it

Adults have a nearly black back, white head and underparts, pale pink legs and a heavy yellow bill. Larger and bulkier than Lesser Black-backed Gull. Juveniles are mottled brown and white.

Habitat

Coasts, islands, harbours, rocky shores and estuaries.

Behaviour

Hunts, scavenges and sometimes steals food from other seabirds. Mainly coastal, often seen alone or in pairs.

When to look

All year

Where to look

Howth Harbour, Dún Laoghaire’s piers and the Dublin Bay coastline.

Reference photos do not show every sex, age, season or geographic form; use the identification notes too.

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