SEAGULLS
Physical characteristics (not my information)
Size: Seagulls are medium to large birds, ranging in length from 11 to 32
inches and varying in weight by species. The little gull is the smallest
species, weighing only 4 ounces, while the great black-backed gull can weigh
over 3.5 pounds.
Color: Seagulls are usually white or gray, with black markings on their wings
and/or heads. However, plumage can vary by species and age.
Beaks: Seagulls have long, stout, and slightly hooked beaks. The shape and
size of their bills vary by species and feeding preferences.
Feet: Seagulls have fully webbed feet, except for the hind toes.
Wings: Seagulls have long wings and squared-off or rounded tails.
Communication: Seagulls are known for their loud, distinctive calls, squawks,
and screams. They use these vocalizations to communicate with each other,
such as to signal excitement, aggression, or territorial defense.
(my own information)
Seagulls that eat a variety of foods like fish, insects, barries, eggs, garbage
and human food scraps. They are also known to be resourceful but they may
steal your food or from other species. Seagulls also have light and strong
beaks which make it possible to pick up food and crack open any
barries(such as shell) to be a meal.
Eating Habits
(not my own information)
Insects. Terrestrial arthropods like insects and earthworms. Eggs. Eggs of
other birds
Small mammals: Rodents and other small mammals.
Chips, takeaways, ice cream, and other human refuse Human food: Chi
Carrion: Roadkill and other camon
Offal: Offal and other animal parts
Reptiles and amphibians: Reptiles and amphibians
Seeds and fruit: Seeds and fruit
Seagulls are known for scavenging and will often feed on discarded food and
human waste. They can be found in many places, including trees, parks,
ponds, and beaches. Seagulls are also known to time their appearances with
food availability, such as waiting for lunchtimes at school playgrounds or for
refuse deliveries at dumps.
Seagulls have a specialized gland above their eyes that helps them excrete
excess salt from eating marine prey. This allows them to live in both
freshwater and saltwater environments. They also have gizzards that allow
them to swallow large prey and filter out parts they don’t want to eat,
Flight habits
Seagulls can take off and land with very little space, can hover in the air, and
can fly for long periods without rest, making it practical to move constantly
in search of food. They are capable of flight about 5 to 6 weeks after
hatching and are independent at 7 to 8 weeks after hatching.
Seagulis typically fly below 50 meters, but can occasionally fly up to 200
meters. When flying to their roosts at night, gulls often fly in a “V” formation
in calm conditions. In windy conditions, they
Fly in loose flocks without a clear formation. Seagulls often fly just above the
water’s surface to take advantage of the “groundeffect”. This is when air is
funneled between the water’s surface and the lower surfaces of the gull’s
wings. Seagulls are able to hover in the air. They can also take off quickly
with little space. Seagulls can fly in curved, helix-like patterns without a clear
destination. Seagulls can conserve energy by hovering over bridges to
absorb heat from the pavement.
Seagulls are also strong communicators that use calls and body movements
to signal each other. Some of their callis include:
Mew: A high-pitched call used between members of a flock
Keow: An aggressive call used towards predators and humans Ha-ha-ha: A
laughing call used to indicate excitement or the presence of foo
