UK Wildlife

Lesser Black-backed Gull Inland Expansion

The lesser black-backed gull has expanded its range inland in both breeding and wintering populations, with colonies on urban rooftops now significant alongside traditional coastal sites.

Key Facts

Lesser black-backed gull winters in Spain and West Africa but UK birds increasingly overwinter
UK breeding population around 110,000 pairs, expanding on urban rooftops
Distinguished from herring gull by dark slate-grey back and yellow legs
Forms mixed colonies with herring gulls at traditional coastal sites
Opportunistic feeder using landfill, fish offal and agricultural fields

Welfare Considerations

Lesser black-backed gull has been more adaptable than herring gull in adjusting to changing food sources and breeding sites. Urban rooftop colonies create conflicts but represent genuine wildlife adaptation. Management should be evidence-based and proportionate.

What You Can Do

Support evidence-based urban gull management that maintains breeding populations
Engage with local authority gull management plans through public consultation
Record lesser black-backed gull through seabird monitoring schemes