Lesser Black-backed Gull - Chris Bale
Where and when to see: Common sighting around the island most of the year, best on Crabby Bay during the summer
Latin name: Larus fuscus
The smallest of the 3 Gull species to breed on Burhou, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is 48-56cm long and has a wingspan of 117-134cm. They have dark grey wings with black tips. They also have very striking yellow legs and a yellow beak with a red spot on the end. Lesser Black-backed Gulls are colonial breeders and construct a nest out of dried vegetation on the ground on Burhou or on the grass verges of cliff tops around Alderney.
Status in Alderney: Very Common Breeder – Nationally important population
Status in UK (RSPB Criteria): Amber
Worldwide Status (IUCN Red List and Population Trend): Least Concern; Increasing