Seagulls are among the most recognizable and widespread birds, found both along coastlines and in busy cities. Often associated with the sea, ships, and ports, these birds have long adapted to living side by side with humans. Their intelligence, resilience, and adaptability make them truly remarkable creatures. Although they may seem ordinary, the biology and behavior of seagulls reveal many surprising and complex traits. Below are fascinating and educational facts about seagulls that you may not have known.
- There are over 50 species of seagulls, all belonging to the gull family. These birds vary in size, plumage color, and habitat. Some species are found only in the Arctic or southern regions, while others are present on every continent, including Antarctica. This global distribution makes them one of the most adaptable bird groups in the world.
- Although they are considered sea birds, many seagulls live far from the ocean in urban environments. They are commonly seen near landfills, rooftops, markets, and parking lots. They have learned to use city spaces for feeding and nesting. This adaptability helps them survive in almost any conditions.
- Seagulls are highly intelligent and capable of learning and mimicking behaviors. They observe people and other animals to adopt effective food-finding strategies. Some gulls have learned to use car tires to crack open shellfish. Their intelligence is often compared to that of crows, which are considered among the smartest birds.
- Seagulls are omnivores and will eat almost anything they find. Their diet includes fish, small animals, carrion, food scraps, insects, and even other birds’ eggs. They are often seen near trash bins and fast-food areas. Their non-selective diet gives them a major survival advantage.
- Many seagull species have well-developed social lives. They nest in colonies that can number in the thousands. Seagulls use a complex communication system involving sounds, head movements, and postures. They can recognize their mates and chicks among hundreds of other birds.
- Seagulls have specialized glands that allow them to drink salt water. These salt glands, located above the eyes, remove excess salt and expel it through the nostrils. This adaptation allows them to survive on coastlines and islands without relying on fresh water. Such physiological features are rare among birds.
- Seagulls can live relatively long lives for birds. In the wild, they may live up to 25 years, and even longer in captivity. As they age, they become more skilled in finding food and defending their territory. Female seagulls often return to the same nesting site for many years.
- Seagulls are capable of long-distance flight and often engage in seasonal migrations. Some Arctic species travel thousands of kilometers to reach African or South American coastlines. They navigate using the sun, coastlines, and Earth’s magnetic field. These navigational abilities continue to be studied by scientists.
- Male seagulls take an active role in raising offspring. They help build the nest, incubate the eggs, and feed the chicks together with the females. This partnership model of parenting is uncommon in many bird species and indicates advanced social behavior. Some pairs stay together for multiple breeding seasons.
- Seagulls have excellent eyesight, which helps them spot food from great heights. They can detect fish or crumbs from dozens of meters above ground. This vision also helps them avoid danger and navigate while flying. It plays a key role in their survival in rapidly changing environments.
- Some species of seagulls are very loud and have distinctive calls. They use these calls to mark territory, warn of danger, or attract mates. During nesting season, gulls become especially vocal and aggressive in defending their young. Their cries can be heard from hundreds of meters away.
- Seagulls are creative when it comes to finding food. Some pretend to eat to distract other gulls and steal their catch. Others throw pieces of bread into water to lure fish closer to the surface. These behaviors show problem-solving and planning abilities.
- In urban areas, seagulls have learned to steal food directly from people’s hands. They swoop down quickly and fearlessly, often targeting tourists holding ice cream or fries. This behavior developed over decades of close coexistence with humans. While it may cause inconvenience, it also proves their cleverness.
- In many cultures, the seagull symbolizes freedom, journeys, and the sea. Its image appears frequently in poetry, art, and literature. For example, in the famous book “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” the bird represents the pursuit of perfection and self-discovery. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth.
- Despite their common presence, seagulls play a crucial role in ecosystems. They help control populations of small animals and clean shorelines of organic waste. Their presence can indicate the environmental health of a region. In many countries, seagulls are protected by law, especially in coastal areas.
Seagulls are much more than birds you see near the sea. Their intelligence, adaptability, and social behavior are truly impressive. These incredible facts about seagulls show how complex and fascinating even the most familiar creatures can be. By observing them more closely, we can recognize them as true masters of survival and strategy in the skies.
