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.

---

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

---

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

To assist Duane in explaining, he brought over the two books belonging to C.C. and turned to the pages that showed the illustrations and descriptions of both the great black-backed gull and the musk ox.

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