This largest of gull species breeds in western Europe and eastern North America, inland to Lake Huron. Some black-backed gull reports from the high Arctic may be of this species. In Alberta, Great Black-backed Gulls have been reported from Cold Lake on at least two occasions, including one photo record.
This species is only accidental in Alberta.
The diet of this predatory species in summer includes the eggs and young of nesting seabirds (cormorants, ducks, alcids, other gulls and
terns), and adults of smaller species such as Leach's Storm-Petrel and Black Guillemot. During other seasons, it lives by robbing other gulls, finding carrion and hunting seafood at low tide.
It nest singly or in colonies on coastal cliffs and islands. The usual three eggs are incubated for 26 to 30 days.
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Where to find Great Black-backed Gulls in Alberta
This species does not occur in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. However, it is possible that a single bird may show up during spring or fall migration periods. Brent Johner
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