09/23/2016
With over 20 known species, gulls, most commonly known as seagulls, are a type of sea bird that can be found throught the world; including arctica and antartica.
Depending upon its species, a gulls plumage is typically grey or white in color with black markings on their head or wings. These sea birds are usually medium to large in size, homogeneous in shape, with a heavy body, long legs and wings, fully webbed feet, a fairly long neck, as well as a heavy and slightly hooked bill. Their unique physiology permits them the ability to swim, fly, and walk.
Despite living in large colonies, gulls are monogamous creatures with a strong societal structure protecting their territory of nearby couples. During mating season, a couple collects plant material and build their cup-shaped nest together on the ground or rocky cliffs. Depending on the species, female gulls can lay up to three dark brown or olive green eggs; with an incubation period of 22 to 26 days. Young gulls live in nursery flocks where they attain all skills and techniques necessary to survive independently.
A gulls vast diet includes: amphibians, earthworms, fruit, insects, reptiles, seeds, small rodents, as well as human meals.
They often known to steal food from other animals, birds, and humans. Watch out if your eating ice cream at Pier 60... It's one of their favourite desserts!
Did you know gulls not only drink fresh water, but they are able to drink salt water as well? These sea birds posses exocrine glands, located above their eyes, in which salt can be discharged through its nostrils, thus assisting the kidneys in maintaining an electrolyte balance.
Depending upon the species, gulls can live up to 10 to 15 years, unless of course a large bird, such as the eagle, swoops down and catch its prey.
And there you have it ☺ Have a fun and safe weekend! 🌴
