Laughing Gull

Larus atricilla

Image by Dick Daniels from theworldbirds.org,  CC BY-SA 3.0

Physical: L. atricilla is a medium-sized gull with a long beak with a slight slant at the end. It has long wings, and a head that flattens out at forehead. A distinct feature is the ,”Ha Ha” laughing call they produce. Hence where they get the name laughing gull.

Habitat: The Laughing Gull is found around the areas of estuaries , bays, and salt marshes. Seldom ,due to people interference, they are found semi-inland.

Feeding: L. atricilla feeds mainly on small crabs, shrimp, and human interference they are feeding on a wider variety of foods such as people foods.

Breeding: Breeding is primarily in colonies  up and down the Atlantic coast. The nests are primarily formed out of grasses and debris from the surrounding areas. A clutch generally contains approx. 3-4 eggs and are incubated for about 20 days. After they hatch they generally leave the nest after 40 days.

JUVENILE

Physical: Larus atricilla has a brown color, with a whitish belly. They also have black on their bill, outer flight feathers, legs, feet, and tail. A distinct feature is the, ”Ha Ha.” laughing call they produce, hence where they get the name laughing gull.

Habitat: This gull is found around the areas of estuaries, bays, and salt marshes. Seldom, due to people interference, they are found semi-inland.

Feeding: L. atricilla feeds mainly on small crabs, shrimp, and small fishes. Again due to people interference they are feeding on a wider variety of foods such as people foods.

Breeding: These gulls are too young to breed.

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