Great Black-backed Gull (Havstrut)

Characteristics:
The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull species in Sweden, measuring 65–80 cm in length with a wingspan up to 1.5 meters.
It has a blackish-grey back and upper wings, white head and underparts, and a powerful yellow bill with a red spot on the lower mandible.
The legs are pink.
Juveniles are brown and mottled and develop adult-like plumage after about 3–4 months.
In flight, the bird shows broad wings with a white leading edge and slow, heavy wingbeats.

Habitat:
The Great Black-backed Gull breeds along all Swedish coasts and is also found on large inland lakes.
It nests on rocky islets, beaches, cliffs, and sometimes rooftops near the sea.
In recent years, its range has expanded inland.

Behaviour:
This gull is dominant and powerful, often outcompeting smaller species for food or nesting areas.
It behaves like a coastal predator, living both as a hunter and scavenger.
Usually seen alone or in pairs, but may form small colonies during breeding.

Diet:
An opportunistic feeder, eating fish, seabird chicks, eggs, crustaceans, carrion, and waste.
It also steals prey from other birds and scavenges around harbours and fishing boats.

Reproduction:
Breeding occurs in May–June.
Both parents build a nest of grass, seaweed, and twigs on the ground, often on cliffs or small islands.
The female lays 2–3 eggs, which are incubated for 27–29 days.
The chicks fledge after about 6–7 weeks and develop adult-like plumage after 3–4 months.

Migration:
The Great Black-backed Gull is partially migratory.
Many Swedish birds overwinter in southern Sweden, while others migrate to the North Sea and western European coasts.

Distribution:
Occurs along the North Atlantic coasts from Scandinavia to North America.
In Sweden, it is common along all coastlines, especially in archipelagos and harbours.

Hunting:
The Great Black-backed Gull is a game species in Sweden under the Hunting Ordinance (Bilaga 1).
Hunting season: 1 August – 28 (or 29) February, though dates may vary by county.
Hunting usually takes place along coasts, harbours, or fishing areas, often as part of waterfowl or control hunting.

Firearm class (Sweden):
The species may be hunted with:

• Shotgun, typically using pellet size no. 3–5, or
• Rifle class 4 (permitted for gulls and small game).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Sweden’s largest gull, with dark back, white underside, and pink legs.
• Red spot on lower bill.
• Feeds on fish, seabird chicks, eggs, carrion, and waste.
• Nests on rocks, islands, and cliffs.
• Chicks gain adult plumage after 3–4 months.
• Game species – hunted with shotgun or rifle class 4.
• Important top predator in the coastal ecosystem.