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

Global great black-backed gull populations have almost halved since 1985.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2024

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 • Apr. 6, 2023

When a great black-backed gull that had been gliding above the surface paused, and then climbed up about 20 feet, Calabro turned the boat immediately.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2022

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

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2022

“And as much as your name-calling stings my heart, it would sting so much more if I was, in fact, a great black-backed gull and NOT a musk ox!”

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el