Watercolor portrait of Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus
In North America, it breeds mainly along… Look for it along rocky coasts, beaches,… Fairly common Long call

Learn to identify the Great Black-backed Gull by ear. Master the "kyaaow, kyaaow, kyaaow-ah-ah-ah" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kyaaow, kyaaow, kyaaow-ah-ah-ah”

What the Great Black-backed Gull sounds like

This is the heavyweight of the gull world. It looks bold and unmistakable: a clean white body, a coal-black back, and a thick bill that gives it a tough, commanding look.

“kyaaow, kyaaow, kyaaow-ah-ah-ah”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:The classic gull performance: a rising, drawn-out series of loud, laughing cries, often given with the head tossed skyward. Often written as “kyaaow, kyaaow, kyaaow-ah-ah-ah”.
Don't confuse with:The Lesser Black-backed Gull — much smaller and slimmer overall.

Lessons featuring the Great Black-backed Gull

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Great Black-backed Gull's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Gull School: The Klee-OW Crew lesson habitat
Gull School: The Klee-OW Crew
Tier 9 · Niche Voices
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Where you'll hear it

Look for it along rocky coasts, beaches, harbors, mudflats, and offshore waters. In winter, it also turns up on big lakes, reservoirs, landfills, and fishing docks.

Spring and summer bring adults in crisp breeding plumage to nesting islands and coastal headlands. In fall and winter, numbers build farther south, and young birds in mottled brown plumage become much easier to notice.

Similar species

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Much smaller and slimmer overall.

Herring Gull

Back is pale gray, not black.

Western Gull

Usually has a dark gray back rather than truly black upperparts.

Great Black-backed Gull sound FAQ

What does a Great Black-backed Gull sound like?
The classic gull performance: a rising, drawn-out series of loud, laughing cries, often given with the head tossed skyward. Listen for the "kyaaow, kyaaow, kyaaow-ah-ah-ah" phrase.
How do I tell a Great Black-backed Gull from a Lesser Black-backed Gull by sound?
Lesser Black-backed Gull: Much smaller and slimmer overall.; Usually has yellow legs, not pink.; Looks more elegant and less blocky, with a finer bill..
When is the best time to hear a Great Black-backed Gull?
Spring and summer bring adults in crisp breeding plumage to nesting islands and coastal headlands. In fall and winter, numbers build farther south, and young birds in mottled brown plumage become much easier to notice.