Laridae

Laridae is a bird family in the order Charadriiformes that includes the gulls and the terns. Found nearly worldwide, members inhabit coastal regions, islands, riverbanks, and inland lakes, often near human settlements where food scraps are available. The family is traditionally divided into two major subfamilies: Larinae (gulls) and Sterninae (terns). Gulls are generally medium to large, with stout bodies, variable plumage, and broad wings; many species have a white or pale underparts and gray or dark upperparts. Terns are more slender and highly aerial, with long pointed wings, deeply forked tails, and a compact bill, and they typically breed in colonies on islands or cliffs.

Ecology and behavior: Larids are opportunistic feeders. Gulls eat fish, crustaceans, eggs, carrion, insects, and human refuse, often scavenging or stealing food from other birds. Terns primarily hunt by plunge diving to catching small fish, though some species take crustaceans and insects. Reproduction is usually colonial: nests are simple scrapes or depressions on the ground, rocks, or vegetation, and both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks.

Conservation: Many species are widespread and common, but several are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, fisheries interactions, and climate change. The family is of interest to scientists for its diverse foraging strategies, migratory behavior, and responses to changing coastal habitats.