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ODNR Division of Wildlife - Fishing - Trout Stockings
ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Great Black-backed Gull

 Great Black-backed Gull

Great Black-backed Gull
Photo by Jim McCormac
 Before 1930, the great black-backed gull was rare in Ohio and the Great Lakes, but has steadily increased in appearance since then. Currently, there are winter concentrations of several hundred gulls in the Lake Erie area. Very few inland reports have been recorded away from the northern tier of the state.


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Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinus

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 26-29 days

• Clutch Size: 2-3 eggs

• Young Fledge: 49-56 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: fish, carrion, aquatic invertebrates and other birds
Description
This is a huge bird - the biggest gull in Ohio and the world, weighing over three and one half pounds with a wing span of up to five and one half feet. The adults have black wings and backs while the rest of the body is white.

Habitat and Habits
Great black-backed gulls are most easily found when Lake Erie freezes. The gulls then concentrate around power plant outlets where warm, open water can be found. As befits such a massive beast, their calls are very deep and loud, and stand out amongst the cacophony of gull flocks.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are lined with grass and located on the ground. The eggs are olive in color, with brown spots.