Lesser Black-backed Gull

Darker-backed than a Herring Gull, with yellow legs in adults. ‘Lesser’ refers to its size relative to the Great Black-backed Gull: this is still a large bird.

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: Most noticeable in spring and summer; some winter here
Where to start: Dublin’s harbour areas, Howth, Dún Laoghaire and the River Liffey.
What to do when you arrive: Search harbour gull flocks for adults with dark grey backs and yellow legs, comparing them with Herring Gulls nearby. Leave distant, poorly lit birds unidentified if needed.

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 dark grey upperparts, yellow legs and a yellow bill with a red spot. More slender than Great Black-backed Gull. Brown juveniles need a closer look at wing and tail patterns.

Habitat

Coasts, estuaries, harbours, lakes and urban rooftops.

Behaviour

Eats fish, invertebrates and other food. Breeds both inland and on the coast; some birds move south for the winter.

When to look

Most noticeable in spring and summer; some winter here

Where to look

Dublin’s harbour areas, Howth, Dún Laoghaire and the River Liffey.

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

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