Slaty-backed gull

Characteristics

A seagull with a strong blackness on the back and a clear contrast between black and white. It is slightly larger than the herring gull, and its back looks darker. Flight feathers are black with white tips. The beak is yellow with an orange spot on the tip of the lower mandible. The iris is pale yellow and the eye ring is pink. The legs are pale pink.

Ecology

It can be found along the seashore, estuaries, and tidal flats. It can also be seen in human living areas such as fishing ports and urban areas. In Japan, it is a resident bird in the Tohoku region and north, and comes to other regions as a winter bird. It is found mixed with other species of gulls. It preys on small animals such as fish and crustaceans.

Habitat

Miyagi Prefecture Watari Arahama Beach

I took a picture of a slaty-backed gull that landed on the beach. Compared to other seagulls, black and white are clearly visible. They seemed to be fishing for food near the beach. When it took off, the tips of its wings looked whitish.