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There are two forms of black backed gull, the lesser and the great. The great black-backed gull is identified with its yellowish legs whereas the lesser black back has pinkish legs. The great black-backed gull is the largest of the gull family (Laridae). The red spot on the bill is for the chicks to have a focal point when the parents regurgitate their food.
| Average Length: | 71 cm |
| Average Weight: | 1.7 kg |
| Wingspan: | 158 cm |
| Diet: | Fish, seabird chicks, eggs, scavenger, offal |
| Est. population around Iceland: | ~ 15,000 – 30,000 pairs |
| Residence Period: | All year round |
| Nesting habitat: | Lakes, coastal, buildings close to sea |
| Nesting Period: | Mid April to Late June |
| Clutch size (No eggs): | 2-3 |
| Incubation time (days): | 27-28 |
| Fledging time: | 50-55 |
| Typical life span (years): | No Data – Max known life span is 24 years |
| Age at first breeding (years): | 4 |
| IUCN world Status: | Least concern |
| Major Threats: | Organohalogen pollution, hunting, predation |
| Other Names: | Svartbakur, Svartbag, Merilokki, Mantelmöwe, Mugnaiaccio, Mewasiodlata, Gavión, Grote mantelmeeuw, Goélandmarin, Svartbak, Alcatraz-comun, Havstrut |