Laughing Gull

Scientific name: Larus atricilla

The small, coastal breeding Laughing Gull has adapted to human encroachment, and often forages at landfills and airports. Laughing Gulls eat a wide variety of invertebrates, and are less likely than other gulls to eat the eggs and young of other birds.

Laughing Gulls are very social, and can be seen in flocks of hundreds to thousands. When nesting, they defend only a small area around their nest, and form large colonies. They will mob potential predators, but can become used to large gulls nearby as long as they are not actively seeking Laughing Gull eggs or young.

(Follow the links on the left for additional information.)