The Lesser Black-backed Gull, <i>Larus fuscus</i>, in Greenland

Abstract

The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) became a frequent visitor in Greenland in the mid-1980s. Breeding was confirmed in 1990, and today the species is a common breeder in at least two areas in Southwest Greenland between 60° and 66° N. The current breeding population is estimated at more than 700 pairs. Even though the colonization of Greenland by this species may be primarily the result of an increasing source population in Northwest Europe, climate change most likely will facilitate its expansion farther north in Greenland and probably also farther west to eastern Canadian coasts.