Gulls (Laridae)

 

The family Laridae encompasses 9-10 genera and 50-55 species of gulls. The gulls have a nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Most species nest in colonies, e.g., on islands and sea cliffs, but also in wetlands, or even deserts. Their colonies may range from few pairs to over a hundred thousand pairs, sometimes mixed with other species of gulls, terns or other seabirds. Nests are made of seaweed, sticks and other flotsam; usually on the ground or cliff ledges, but one species nests in stunted trees. Clutch size is 2-3 eggs; incubation lasts 22-26 days. The young are semi-precocious. Most gulls are opportunistic feeders, taking or scavenging a wide variety of food including fish, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, small mammals, eggs and chicks of other colonial seabirds or conspecifics, amphibians, reptiles; they also feed on larger animal carcasses and offal. Several adaptable species take advantage of human refuse and thrive near garbage dumps.

 

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