Gulls belong to the Laridae family of birds and
are closely related to terns. The classification of seagulls has been debated heavily in the past
century and more thorough research has called for recent changes. As it currently stands
they are classified into different genera, though this, of course, could change if new
evidence to prove otherwise is discovered. Also, technically the name “seagull”
is considered a layperson’s term and most ornithologists and biologists
do not use it, but we’re just a bunch of animal nerds on this show so we’re gonna
use seagull anyway. Whoohoo conformity! There are somewhere around 50 species of
seagulls and they are found worldwide - yes, even Antarctica. In the past they were more
likely to be seen closer to ocean shorelines, but we have actually had an impact on where
they live. Nowadays seagulls are seen along the ocean as well as near lakes, ponds, parking
lots, and trash heaps. Seagulls eat a variety of foods but for the most part they are scavengers.
Our tendency to throw away basically everything has given rise to seagulls moving inland and
circling our trash mounds for all kinds of yummy morsels. This can actually be harmful to
them because they’ll eat just about anything. Seagulls have been found with large pieces of
plastic, metal, wrappers, basically anything you might throw away, in their stomachs. Heck, there
was even one recently who sort of became internet famous because it flew off with someone’s GoPro
camera. That’s not a crab, silly seagull… oh wait… that is a crab, nice job! How did you... When
they aren’t dumpster diving they eat crustaceans, worms, fish, rodents, reptiles, seed, fruits,
dead bodies - I mean we weren’t kidding when we said they eat just about anything. They
will even eat the eggs of other seagulls so they’re a pretty big contributor to their own
death rates. Oh, and those crabs that they eat, they will actually fly them way up high and drop
them on hard surfaces to get to the meat inside. So, yeah, they’re pretty vicious. You can’t see
me, but I’m shaking my head. Freakin’ birds. Identifying a specific species of seagull
can actually be really difficult because they have a lot of similarities between
each other throughout different life stages. Typically they are rather robust birds
with a white underside and soft greyish top. Their beaks are rounded and hooked. appear in
different colors, and can usually be one of the best indicators of species along with foot
color which also varies pretty drastically. The smallest seagull (Little Gull) has a wingspan
of about two feet (60.96cm) while the largest (Great Black-backed Gull) can have a wingspan
of more than five feet (1.524m). In general, the larger gulls have white heads and the
smaller gulls have black heads thought that’s just a general rule of thumb and by no means a
definitive measure. Also, their wings are usually tipped with black feathers and this pigmentation
actually helps protect the feathers from damage. When seagulls are born they are generally
mottled in color. This helps them to blend in with their surroundings, protecting them from
predators. Seagulls will lay two to three eggs in a nest made on stones, moss, feathers, and
even seaweed. The eggs typically take about a month to hatch and the babies will become
independent approximately two months later. Seagulls seem to be able to live more than
twenty years under the right conditions though they’re prey for many animals including sharks,
hawks, eagles, foxes, weasels, and even dolphins. They may be considered annoying
by many people but others see them as bold and resourceful.
What do you think of seagulls? For more facts on seagulls
take a look at the links in the description. What do you think of seagulls?
Tell us in the comments! Please be sure to give a thumbs up for crazy birds and we’ll
see you next time on Animal Fact Files.
