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Seagull

✨ The master of the coasts

The seagull is a group of seabirds commonly seen along coastlines, beaches, and estuaries around the world. Although many people use the word “seagull” for all coastal gulls, there are actually many different gull species with varied sizes and appearances.

These birds have strong wings, webbed feet, and a body adapted for life near water. Their feathers help protect them from moisture, and many species can drink both fresh water and seawater thanks to special glands that remove excess salt from their bodies.

Gulls are opportunistic feeders and eat a wide range of foods, including fish, shellfish, insects, small animals, and sometimes food scraps from human activities. Their ability to adapt allows them to live in natural environments as well as in many cities near the coast.

Most gulls are social birds that gather in groups and communicate through different calls and behaviors. They usually build nests on the ground, cliffs, or other protected places, where both parents help raise their chicks. Although some gull populations are increasing in areas with abundant food, others can be affected by pollution, habitat changes, and disturbances during the breeding season.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that seagulls can drink seawater? It's incredible because most animals would get sick with all that salt. Seagulls have specialized glands just above their eyes that act as small filters. They then expel the extra salt through their nostrils! This is what allows them to stay at sea for long periods without getting thirsty.

Seagulls are among the cleverest birds in the sky! They have learned amazing tricks to feed themselves. For example, if a seagull finds a shell that is too hard to open, it flies high and drops it onto a rock to break it. In the city, they even observe humans to know when the trash is taken out or when people go on picnics.

They are often called "seagulls" or "gulls," but do you know how to tell them apart? Generally, gulls are larger, sturdier, and have a thicker beak with a small red spot on the bottom. Smaller gulls are often called "mouettes" in French. Both belong to the same Laridae family and are excellent flyers capable of traveling thousands of kilometers.