black-backed gull

American  

[blak-bakt] / ˈblækˌbækt /

noun

1. any of several white gulls, as Larus marinus great black-backed gull, having a black back and wings.

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black-backed gull British  

noun

1. either of two common black-and-white European coastal gulls, Larus fuscus ( lesser black-backed gull ) and L. marinus ( great black-backed gull )

2. Also called: karoro.  a southern gull, larus dominicanus , with black feathers on its back

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Etymology

Origin of black-backed gull

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Nor has he ever seen a great black-backed gull face to face, which keeps him on continuous guard should he find himself in close proximity with his archenemy without knowing it.

From Literature

Then, in November 2020, came evidence it had jumped the Atlantic Ocean: Researchers documented a sick great black-backed gull on Newfoundland.

From Science Magazine

Great black-backed gull, Arctic tern, common guillemot and puffin have also tested positive.

From BBC

The unique natural history of the black-backed gull, for example, plays a role in transmission.

From New York Times

Just a few weeks ago, a camera on the island of Skomer, in Wales, captured footage of a great black-backed gull eating an entire rabbit whole.

From Fox News