ExploreBirds

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

The Laughing Gull is a playful bird known for its cheerful calls that sound like laughter! These birds love to hang out near beaches and are often seen flying over the waves.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Laughing Gull has a distinctive black head during summer, which turns white with dusky markings in winter. Its dark gray back and wings contrast sharply with a clean white belly. It also features a noticeable red bill and legs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLeucophaeus
Laughing Gull
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Laughing Gull

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A flock of gulls on the water can be called a 'flotilla' – how cool!

Laughing Gulls take three years to grow their full adult feathers and colors!

Their camouflaged eggs blend perfectly into sandy nests, hiding from predators.

They sometimes steal food right from other birds or even humans!

Special abilities

Ability

Acrobatic Forager

Laughing Gulls can pluck food from the water's surface or catch insects in mid-air because of their agile flight.

Ability

Saltwater Sipper

Laughing Gulls have special glands near their eyes that help them remove excess salt, allowing them to drink seawater.

Ability

Opportunistic Eater

Laughing Gulls have a versatile diet that helps them survive by eating a wide variety of foods, even human scraps.

Measurements & details

Length
36-41 cm
Wingspan
98-110 cm
Weight
0.2-0.35 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
20-23 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

Laughing Gulls are clever, opportunistic eaters that munch on almost anything they can find, from crabs to discarded snacks!

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crabs
  • Insects
  • Worms
  • Eggs
  • Human refuse

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcons sometimes prey on adult gulls during migration.

eats

Fiddler Crab

Uca pugilator

Laughing Gulls frequently eat small crabs found along the shoreline.

depends on

Humans

Homo sapiens

They often scavenge for discarded food left behind by people.

depends on

Least Tern

Sterna antillarum

Laughing Gulls sometimes steal fish from smaller seabirds like terns.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't feed them human food.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Laughing Gull?

36-41 cm

What is Laughing Gull's wingspan?

98-110 cm

How much does Laughing Gull weigh?

0.2-0.35 kg

How long does Laughing Gull live?

10-20 years

How fast can Laughing Gull move?

50 km/h

What does Laughing Gull eat?

Laughing Gulls are clever, opportunistic eaters that munch on almost anything they can find, from crabs to discarded snacks!

Where is Laughing Gull usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Laughing Gull hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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