The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is a large gull that breeds on the European and North American coasts and islands of the North Atlantic Ocean. The scientific name Larus marinus comes from Latin, where “Larus” means gull and “marinus” means “of the sea”. So the direct Latin translation for great black-backed gull would be Larus marinus.
In this article, we will explore the Latin roots of the great black-backed gull’s scientific name, its taxonomy and physical characteristics, distribution and habitat, diet and feeding ecology, breeding and population status. Understanding the Latin terminology for this species provides insights into its evolutionary relationships and aids in identification.
Latin Terminology
As mentioned, the genus name Larus is Latin for “gull”, indicating that this bird is part of the larger Laridae family of gulls, terns, and skimmers. Within this genus of around 25 species, the great black-backed gull belongs to a subgroup known as “hooded gulls”, named for the black hood-like pattern on the head during breeding season.
The specific epithet marinus derives from the Latin word “mare” meaning “sea”. Together, Larus marinus translates to “sea gull”, an apt description of this highly marine species.
Some other Latin terms used to describe the great black-backed gull include:
– Larus dominicanus: Former binomial name, now a junior synonym
– Larus marinus dominicanus: Used to designate the North American subspecies
– Larus marinus marinus: Used for the nominate European subspecies
So in summary, the straightforward Latin term for great black-backed gull is Larus marinus. But other Latin names have been used historically to differentiate populations and subspecies around its Holarctic range.
Taxonomy and Classification
The great black-backed gull belongs to the following taxonomic classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Larus
Species: L. marinus
This species was first scientifically described in 1758 by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae, where he gave it the binomial name of Larus marinus. No subspecies are currently recognized.
The great black-backed gull’s closest evolutionary relatives within the Larus genus include:
– Lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus)
– Kelp gull (Larus dominicanus)
– Slaty-backed gull (Larus schistisagus)
These species, together with the great black-backed gull, form a sub-group of large, predatory gulls with black or dark grey upper-wing plumage as adults. Evolutionary relationships within Laridae are complex however, with multiple instances of convergent evolution.
Physical Characteristics
Some key physical traits and characteristics of the great black-backed gull include:
– Large size – Length 60-79 cm, wingspan 150-170 cm
– Dark mantle (back and wings) – Jet black in adults
– Pink legs and orbital ring
– Yellow iris
– Heavy yellow bill with red spot on lower mandible
– Immatures have mottled brown and black upperparts
The great black-backed gull’s huge size, combined with its dark back and wings, make it relatively straightforward to identify compared to other large white-headed gulls. It is the largest gull in the world, outweighing even the herring gull.
Regional variations exist, with birds being largest in the North Atlantic. Sexual dimorphism is also apparent, with males being larger and bulkier than females in body, bill, and head dimensions. Juveniles start off with brown plumage before attaining adult appearance by four years of age.
Distribution and Habitat
The breeding range of the great black-backed gull consists of coastal regions scattered across the Holarctic zone:
North America:
– Eastern Canada – Newfoundland to southeastern Quebec
– Northeastern USA – Maine to Virginia
– Great Lakes region
Europe:
– Iceland
– Coastal UK and Ireland
– Scandinavia
– Baltic republics
– Northwestern Russia
Asia:
– Northern Russia – White Sea to Taymyr Peninsula
Outside the breeding season, great black-backed gulls disperse more widely along marine coasts and offshore waters. The map below shows the full non-breeding distribution:
Image source: IUCN Red List
In terms of habitat, great black-backed gulls nest on offshore islands, sea cliffs, dunes, and occasionally inland lakes. They forage more widely at sea and on intertidal areas like beaches, mudflats, harbors, and estuaries.
Population and Conservation
Globally, the great black-backed gull has an estimated population of 620,000-720,000 mature individuals. Populations appear to be stable or increasing in most regions, leading to a IUCN Red List classification of Least Concern.
Exceptions include southern Canada, where the species is listed as Endangered due to declines linked to egg harvesting, disturbance, and botulism mortality events. Pollution and marine debris also pose threats to gulls worldwide by causing entanglement and ingestion.
Continued monitoring and protection of breeding sites will help maintain healthy global populations of this widespread Northern Hemisphere gull species. Sustainable management of fishery discards may also be important to ensure this omnivore continues thriving.
Diet and Feeding
The great black-backed gull is a supreme opportunistic feeder that consumes a diverse array of prey depending on availability:
– Marine invertebrates: crabs, mollusks, amphipods, krill
– Fish: discards from fishing vessels, offshore shoaling fish
– Birds: eggs, chicks, adults of various seabirds
– Small mammals: rodents, rabbits
– Carrion from seal colonies or slaughterhouses
– Human refuse: food scraps, landfills
This species often kleptoparasitizes other birds by stealing their catch. It also regularly patrols shorelines for washed up fish. At seabird colonies, the gulls eat eggs, chicks, and even adult birds. Their powerful jaws allow them to crack thick shells and bones.
Great black-backed gulls obtain most food through surface plunging, dipping, scavenging, and predation rather than through aerial hunting or deep diving. Benefiting from marine food subsidies, their populations can attain high densities around productive coasts and fishing grounds.
Foraging Ecology
As generalist predators and scavengers, great black-backed gulls fill an important ecological niche throughout the coastal and marine environments they inhabit.
Some key roles this species plays in food webs and ecosystem function include:
– Transferring nutrients from marine to coastal and terrestrial systems when nesting
– Recycling carrion and fisheries discards that would otherwise decompose slowly
– Culling populations of vulnerable prey like juvenile salmon and seabirds
– Maintaining balance between competing species around colonies and fishing vessels
– Regulating intertidal invertebrates and small fish, pressure increasing with gull density
Via these pathways, great black-backed gulls help structure ecological communities and process energy and matter across ecosystem boundaries. Their populations are also influenced by fluctuations in food supplies like spawning fish and fishing activities.
Breeding and Reproduction
Great black-backed gulls are long-lived birds with delayed sexual maturity. Other key facts about their breeding ecology include:
– Season: April to August (Northern Hemisphere spring/summer)
– Nesting sites: unvegetated islands, cliffs, dunes, rooftops
– Nest: large mound of vegetation, seaweed, feathers on ground
– Clutch size: Usually 3 eggs (range 1-4)
– Incubation: 27-31 days by both parents
– Fledging period: 5-6 weeks with continued parental care
Courtship involves aerial displays and noisy vocalizations. Nesting in dense colonies provides protection from predators. The parents fiercely defend nests and chicks and are sensitive to disturbance.
This species is monogamous and may breed with the same mate for multiple years. Hybridization sometimes occurs with the closely related lesser black-backed gull where their ranges overlap.
Population Trends
Historical persecution led to local extirpations of great black-backed gulls across parts of its range, however most populations rebounded during the 20th century.
Current trends by region:
| Region | Population Trend |
|---|---|
| North America | Declining in SE Canada, stable or increasing elsewhere |
| Europe | Stable or increasing in most areas |
| Iceland | Stable |
| Northern Russia | Likely stable |
Threats to breeding success include human disturbance, egg harvesting, bycatch mortality, pollution, and climate change impacts. Continued protection and monitoring will help maintain healthy populations of this widespread gull species.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Latin name for the great black-backed gull literally translates to “sea gull”, referring to its marine habits. Larus marinus belongs to the family Laridae, order Charadriiformes, and class Aves. This large predatory gull breeds across coastal regions of northern North America and Eurasia. It plays an important ecological role while also adapting readily to human activities. The species has recovered from past persecution and populations remain stable or increasing in most of its range. Understanding the meaning behind its Latin name provides insights into the ecology and evolutionary history of this supremely adaptable seabird.
