gulls

Gulls are seabirds in the family Laridae, comprising numerous species commonly referred to as gulls. They inhabit coastlines, beaches, estuaries, and inland waters across most of the world, and many species breed in colonies on shores, cliffs, islands, or even urban rooftops. Gulls are medium to large birds with rounded bodies, long wings, and stout bills. Plumage is typically white and gray, with black tail or wingtips in many species; juveniles are often brown-speckled and lack strong defining markings.

Ecology and behavior: Gulls are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers. Their diets include fish and invertebrates, eggs and nestlings, refuse, and discarded human food. They commonly forage at sea, along beaches, and in cities, and many species practice kleptoparasitism, stealing food from other birds or mammals. They are highly adaptable and often congregate in large flocks, especially around fishing fleets, dumps, or ports.

Reproduction: Most gulls form long-term pair bonds and nest in colonies. They lay 2-3 eggs in shallow scrapes lined with vegetation or debris. Incubation lasts about 3-4 weeks, and chicks fledge after several weeks to a couple of months, depending on species. Juveniles gradually acquire adult plumage over a year or more.

Migration and conservation: Movement patterns vary; some species are resident year-round, others migrate short or long distances. Human activity heavily intersects gull populations: they exploit urban resources but can conflict with fisheries and cause nuisance in cities. Pollution, habitat loss, and changes in food availability have affected some populations, and plastic ingestion poses a risk for some individuals. Overall, many gull species are widespread and abundant, though several regional populations are of conservation concern.