Fun Facts About Seagulls // Wildlife
A type of sea bird, seagulls inhabit areas near islands, coasts, lakes, and oceans. The coloring of seagulls is usually white or grey with black markings on the wings and head. While most of their diet is different types of insects, amphibians, insects, and small rodents, they will also consume fruit, seeds, and crumbs of human food.
A few months ago, I saw many seagulls flying and shuffling around when I traveled to Seattle. It was here that I got the idea to create a series of blog posts about all the unique animals that I photograph on my travels. So, without further ado, here are some fun facts about seagulls:
Seagulls are one of the rare animals that can drink saltwater. This ability is due to the special glands (located above the eyes), which eliminate excess salt from the body.
They use a wide range of body language actions and sounds with each other for communication.
Very intelligent seagulls use bread crumbs to attract fish and produce rain-like sounds with their feet to attract earthworms hidden under the ground. The parents will teach their hunting skills and techniques to their offspring.
These birds mate for life; they are monogamous creatures. Both males and females create a nest out of plant material for their babies. Each breeding couple will defend their territory from other seagull couples.
Colonies of seagulls range from a few pairs to thousands of birds.
Seagulls have excellent vision and are one of the few birds with eyes that can move in their sockets.
Expert fliers seagulls have mastered control of thermals and wind, climbs, sharp directional changes, and dives. On windy days, they hover motionless using the wind and vision to search for prey.
They are attentive and caring parents and take turns incubating the eggs, feeding, and protecting the chicks.
