Larinae

Larinae is a subfamily of birds within the family Laridae, order Charadriiformes. It comprises the gulls, medium to large seabirds found worldwide along coasts, lakes, and inland waters.

Taxonomy and relationships: Within Laridae, Larinae includes many species that were historically placed in the genus Larus, with several later reassigned to genera such as Chroicocephalus, Leucophaeus, Hydrocoloeus, and Ichthyaetus. The subfamily is distinct from Sterninae, which includes the terns.

Description: Gulls in Larinae are generally stout, with long wings and relatively short legs. Plumage is typically white or pale gray with contrasting wing patterns, and bills and legs vary by species. Adults often have characteristic head or wing markings that aid in identification.

Distribution and habitat: Gulls of this subfamily have a global distribution, inhabiting coastal zones, large lakes, rivers, and urban areas. They are adaptable and frequently breed near human activity, taking advantage of abundant food sources.

Behavior, diet, and reproduction: Larinae gulls are omnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on fish, invertebrates, eggs, carrion, and refuse. They breed in colonies or as scattered pairs on the ground, laying 1–3 eggs; incubation lasts several weeks, and the young are precocial and self-feeding to some extent under parental care. Conservation status varies by species, with many considered of least concern but some gulls facing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human-wildlife conflicts.