hayom | Seagull
ayʔaǰuθɛm:
hayom
Where do seagulls live, and what is their habitat like?
Seagulls, or gulls, are highly adaptable birds that live along coastlines, islands, estuaries, and inland waterways throughout the Pacific Northwest. While they’re most often associated with the ocean, many gulls also live near rivers, lakes, and even urban areas far from the sea.
Their habitat typically includes open shorelines, beaches, docks, mudflats, and rocky outcrops where they can easily find food and nesting sites. Gulls build their nests in colonies, often on flat, grassy areas near water, where they can keep a close watch for predators. Their ability to thrive in both wild and human-influenced environments—like fishing harbours and garbage dumps—makes them one of the most widespread and recognizable coastal birds.
What do seagulls eat, and how do they find food?
Seagulls are opportunistic feeders with a highly varied diet. They eat fish, shellfish, insects, small birds, eggs, and even berries or plant material. In coastal areas, they often forage along the shoreline, picking through seaweed for crabs, clams, and other invertebrates. They're also known to follow fishing boats or hang around docks and harbours in search of scraps.
Gulls are smart and adaptable hunters. They’ve been seen dropping shellfish from great heights onto rocks to crack them open and using teamwork to distract prey or steal food. In urban areas, they scavenge from garbage bins, landfills, and picnic sites. Their sharp eyesight, loud calls, and bold behaviour make them effective at finding food in almost any environment.
What are some surprising or little-known facts about seagulls?
They’re incredibly intelligent!
Seagulls have been observed using tools, such as dropping shellfish onto rocks to break them open, and even stomping their feet on the ground to mimic rainfall and bring earthworms to the surface.
They drink saltwater!
Unlike most animals, seagulls can safely drink seawater. They have special glands above their eyes that filter out the salt, which they then excrete through their nostrils.
They mate for life!
Many gull species form long-term pair bonds, returning to the same partner and nesting site year after year to raise their young.
