The Great Black-backed Gull (GBBG) is the largest in the world. As an adult it is distinguished by its large size, dark back and large, bulbous-tipped bill. The GBBG breeds in Europe, Greenland and the Northeastern US and winters in smaller numbers all the way to the Gulf Coast. There are 67 accepted records in Texas as of early 2026.
This 1st year GBBG spent about 2 weeks near Lake Lewisville and the Lewisville Landfill in December of 2020. As a 1st year gull the GBBG is known for its large size, checkered back and coverts, white head, pink legs and mostly black bill. This immature dwarfed the many Ring-billed Gulls present.
