Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Sildemågen er en 55 centimeter stor mågeart, der yngler langs kysterne af det nordlige og vestlige Europa og desuden indlands i dele af det centrale Asien. Arten kendes på sine gule ben og den mindre størrelse i forhold til f.eks.
Large, slim gull with a dark slate-grey to blackish back and upperwing, yellow legs and a yellow bill with a red spot on the lower mandible. Head and underparts white; the head is grey-streaked in winter. Longer wings and a lighter build than the other large gulls.
Can be confused with
- Herring Gull — Herring Gull has a pale grey back and pink legs, and is bulkier with shorter wings.
- Great Black-backed Gull — Great Black-backed Gull is markedly larger and heavier with a blacker back, pink legs and a very heavy bill.
- Common Gull — Common Gull is far smaller with a pale grey back, yellow-green legs and a thin bill with no red spot.
Plumage and variation
Summer and winter: In winter the head is heavily grey-streaked; in breeding plumage it is clean white.
Juvenile: Juveniles are mottled dark brown with a black bill and dark wings, reaching adult plumage only after about four years.
Voice
Laughing calls like the Herring Gull's, but deeper and more nasal.
Behaviour
Breeds in coastal colonies, feeds at sea and on fields, and readily follows fishing boats and the plough.
When and where
Breeds along Danish coasts, mainly from March–April to September. Winters in south-west Europe and West Africa; only small numbers stay through the Danish winter.
Facts
Wingspan
134 cm
Conservation status
ikke truet
Relatives
Family
gulls and terns
Laridae
Order
waders, gulls and auks
Charadriiformes
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