black-backed gull: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Low frequency, specialized vocabulary)Specialized, scientific, ornithological, formal wildlife context.
Quick answer
What does “black-backed gull” mean?
A large gull of the genus Larus, characterized by a distinctive dark grey or black back and wings, in contrast to its white head and body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large gull of the genus Larus, characterized by a distinctive dark grey or black back and wings, in contrast to its white head and body.
The term refers specifically to two prominent species: the Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), the world's largest gull, and the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus). These are predatory, coastal birds found across the North Atlantic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the term itself. However, awareness of the specific species might be higher in the UK due to the Lesser Black-backed Gull being a common breeding bird.
Connotations
Neutral ornithological term. In coastal communities, may connote a powerful, sometimes aggressive predator known for stealing food and preying on other birds.
Frequency
Rare in everyday conversation. Used in birdwatching guides, wildlife documentaries, and scientific reports. More likely encountered in British nature publications due to local prevalence.
Grammar
How to Use “black-backed gull” in a Sentence
The [great/lesser] black-backed gull [verb: nested, soared, scavenged].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black-backed gull” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not typically used attributively. Use 'black-backed gull' as a noun compound.
American English
- Not typically used attributively. Use 'black-backed gull' as a noun compound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, and zoology papers for precise species identification.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by birdwatchers or in coastal regions with specific gull populations.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology, wildlife conservation, and field guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black-backed gull”
- Hyphenating incorrectly as 'black backed gull' (should be hyphenated as a compound adjective before the noun).
- Confusing it with other dark-winged gulls like the 'Great Black-headed Gull' (a different species).
- Using it as a general term for any large gull.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Great Black-backed Gull is larger, has a darker slate-grey to black back, and a more massive bill. The Lesser is smaller, with a back colour ranging from dark grey to black depending on the subspecies, and has yellowish legs.
They are not typically dangerous to humans but are aggressive predators in their ecosystem. They will steal food, prey on other birds (including adults, chicks, and eggs), and can be territorial, especially during breeding season.
Great Black-backed Gulls are found on North Atlantic coasts. Lesser Black-backed Gulls breed in northern Europe and Asia and migrate; some now overwinter in North America. Look for them on coasts, harbours, and landfills.
No. 'Seagull' is a casual, imprecise term for many gull species. 'Black-backed gull' refers specifically to species within the genus Larus that have the characteristic dark back, primarily the Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
A large gull of the genus Larus, characterized by a distinctive dark grey or black back and wings, in contrast to its white head and body.
Black-backed gull is usually specialized, scientific, ornithological, formal wildlife context. in register.
Black-backed gull: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk.bækt ˈɡʌl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk.bækt ˈɡʌl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical ornithological name.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a gull wearing a sleek black leather jacket on its back – a 'black-backed' gull.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this literal, descriptive compound noun.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct characteristic of a 'black-backed gull'?