Seagulls or Larus spp.
Identification
Seagulls are large white and gray birds (some have black markings on them too). Their name is accurate, as they are usually found floating on the sea, flying in coastal areas or grouping together on the sand. They can also be found in high numbers at landfill sites. There are three species of seagull which breed in Nova Scotia and another two species, which breed in the Arctic but are winter residents of Nova Scotia. This makes five species that can be commonly observed in Nova Scotia. Different species have different coloured feathers, but also their leg, beak and eye colour can be different. The herring gull is the most common seagull in Nova Scotia. Our biggest seagull is the greater black backed gull, which is easily recognizable because it is the largest and has noticeable black wings. The other species that breeds in Nova Scotia is the ring-billed gull. Check out the ID guide at the following link for pictures and more identification features (https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/oiseaux-migrateurs-migratory-bird/eastern-canada-common-gulls-identification-guide-2019.pdf).
To identify seagulls by their calls, check out:
Herring gulls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Herring_Gull/sounds
G:reat black-backed gulls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Black-backed_Gull/sounds
There are other species of seagulls in Nova Scotia, but they are not as common. Also, sometimes during storms and hurricanes birds can be blown towards Nova Scotia and at those times, different seagulls can be sighted. In addition, there are smaller seabirds called terns, which are occasionally mistaken for seagulls.
Nesting
Seagulls usually nest on the ground in colonies. The male and female build the nest together out of grasses and other plants. The female lays two to three eggs. The eggs are usually a brownish colour. They will sit on the nest for three to four weeks. Seagull chicks are well developed and are able to move around immediately after hatching. After the chicks hatch their parents will feed and care for them for about two weeks. At this point they are largely independent, although one parent will usually stay near to the chicks to protect them from predators until they learn to fly.
Diet
Seagulls are usually carnivorous and like to eat live food, like crabs, clams, and small fish. But they sometimes are scavengers and eat scrap food or animals that are already dead. This is often why you see them at landfill sites and shopping mall parking lots. They are often seen inland in large numbers on farmers’ open fields when there is a coastal storm. Interestingly, seagulls are able to unhinge their jaws at the back, as snakes do, so that they can swallow large pieces of food. Seagulls are thought to be quite intelligent and use simple tools. They sometimes use breadcrumbs to bait small fish. They will also drop clam shells on rocks and pavement in order to extract the animal inside.
Interesting Fact
Seagulls have the rare ability to drink salty seawater without any problems. When humans drink saltwater they can have serious physical and mental health problems. Seagulls are able to do this because their bodies can extract the salt from the water. The excess salt is released from salt glands above their eyes.
Biomimicry
Scientists inspired by the unique abilities of certain organisms often try and create inventions based on those unique abilities: this is called biomimicry. Seagulls have interesting physiological adaptations in their bodies and their cells that allow them to extract the extra salt from their bodies. This salt is what is released from the salt glands. Researchers are interested in the mechanism seagulls use because it could possibly be used to remove salt from seawater. Obtaining freshwater for drinking is quickly becoming a global problem, but saltwater is plentiful. Any low energy method for extracting salt from seawater would help solve freshwater access problems in coastal areas.
As well, seagulls and other seabirds have unique abilities to fly and glide for long periods. Scientists are also researching ways to improve airplane flight efficiency by examining how seabirds fly.
Scientific Name
There are many different species of seagulls. The ones mentioned above are all members of the genus Larus
~Monica Schuegraf
