Larus fuscus graellsii/intermedius · čajka tmavá anglická/severomorská · Lesser Black-backed Gull graellsii/intermedius

Distribution

This card combines the western Lesser Black-backed Gull subspecies graellsii and intermedius when they cannot be reliably separated. They breed from Atlantic Europe to the North Sea region and south-western Scandinavia and winter in western Europe and Africa. In Slovakia they visit on passage and in winter without regular breeding. Records should use the level of identification that the evidence supports.

Habitat

Within their breeding range they use coastal islands, open ground and urban roofs. In Slovakia they join gull flocks on reservoirs, large ponds and rivers, feeding on nearby fields and resting on islands or gravel banks.

Breeding

Their biology resembles that of Lesser Black-backed Gull: the nest is on the ground or a roof and normally contains three eggs. Both parents incubate and feed the young. These details concern the home breeding range, not a Slovak colony.

Food

They catch fish and invertebrates and also take carrion and varied scraps, using aquatic, coastal and terrestrial food sources.

Interesting fact

Graellsii generally has a paler dark-grey mantle than intermedius, but tones overlap. The combined category is therefore useful even with a good photograph, especially without a readable ring.

Sources: BTO BirdFacts · English Wikipedia