Laughing Gull - Water Birds Series

Description

The Laughing Gull is a familiar beach gull of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The loud "laughing" calls can be heard in the summer along most beaches in those regions. Measuring about 18 inches in length, the adult has a black head and dark bill with a conspicuous white eye ring. The wings are gray with black primary feathers. The breast and underparts are white. The legs and feet are reddish in color and the tail is white. In non-breeding plumage, the black head is replaced with white feathers, though some black feathers remain. Immature and juvenile birds are brownish. Males and females are similar.

Diet

Aquatic invertebrates, small fish, squid, insects, amphibians, handouts, trash, occasionally berries. The Laughing Gull will sometimes steal food from terns and other gulls. It will also take human handouts. Large flocks of gulls may congregate around a person with food.

Range and Habitat

The Laughing Gull breeds along the Atlantic coast from southern Maine to Florida, and along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas. It also breeds in the Caribbean islands. The Laughing Gull also winters in Mexico and along the coasts of South America. This bird inhabits saltwater beaches, islands, rivers, parks, landfills, estuaries, and marshes.

Status

Populations of Laughing Gulls are stable.