The lesser black-backed gull is the most Finnish bird in the world
The lesser black-backed gull is a truly Finnish bird: over half of the lesser black-backed gulls that actually have a black mantle (subspecies Larus fuscus fuscus) nest in Finland and in traditional Finnish habitats, namely the archipelago and large inland lakes. The lesser black-backed gull can be told apart from the great black-backed gull by its smaller size, more slender build, narrower wings and bright yellow feet. Finnish lesser black-backed gull populations have declined and the species is classified as endangered. The woes of the lesser black-backed gull are many, as unlike other Finnish gull species, it migrates to Africa, making it susceptible to migration hazards along with environmental toxins and nest predation. The City of Turku Environmental Protection unit’s archipelago bird censuses show, however, that around Ruissalo the lesser black-backed gull is doing well. In addition to nesting on islets, in Turku lesser black-backed gulls also frequently nest on roofs, unlike in other parts of Finland.
