Laughing Gull
A species of Hooded Gulls Scientific name : Leucophaeus atricilla Genus : Hooded Gulls
Laughing Gull, A species of Hooded Gulls
Botanical name: Leucophaeus atricilla
Genus: Hooded Gulls
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Cephas , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The laughing Gull is the largest of all of the dark-hooded gulls and is aptly named due to its call, "ha ha ha," which of course resembles laughter. Interestingly, gulls will typically stop flying and roost when there is low atmospheric pressure (often indicative of oncoming rain).
Size
36 - 41 cm
Life Expectancy
22 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
2 - 4 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
22 - 27 days
Nestling Period
35 days
Feeding Habits
Laughing Gull consumes a diverse diet including invertebrates such as earthworms, insects, snails, crabs, crab eggs, mollusks, and grubs, as well as fish, squid, and berries. They scavenge garbage, offal, and may take handouts. Laughing Gull also opportunistically preys on eggs and chicks of other birds.
Habitat
Laughing Gull thrive in coastal environments, frequenting salt marshes, coastal bays, and sandy beaches, often near piers and oceans. These birds prefer low-altitude areas characterized by a marine climate, with primary vegetation consisting of mangroves and salt-tolerant marsh plants. While generally coastal, laughing Gull occasionally venture inland, inhabiting agricultural fields and landfills proximate to the shore. They nest in large colonies on predator-free islands, including dredge-spoil islets, and even amid other seabirds. During migration and winter, laughing Gull remain coastal, often seen in estuaries or slightly further inland near lakes.
Nest Behavior
Both laughing Gull parents partake in nest construction, with males contributing materials and females arranging them. Mating pairs build nests to withstand floods by reinforcing them post-storm or tide. Nest building and egg-laying details are not provided.
Nest Characteristics
Laughing Gull's nest is often located on slightly elevated sand, rocks, or vegetation to avoid flooding. The nest comprises saltmarsh vegetation and grasses, forming a rim about a foot wide and a cup 6 inches across by 2.5 inches deep. Unique features include attachment to surrounding plants for stability.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
People often ask
General Info
Sounds
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Laughing Gull exhibit a range of behaviors that reflect their adaptability and opportunistic nature. Throughout the day, they engage in social activities, grouping together on beaches or following machinery, suggesting an affinity for human-altered landscapes. They are known to scavenge and steal prey from other birds, waiting for moments to snatch fish from pelicans. Laughing Gull have distinct social displays for communication, involving elaborate calls and movements to express threats, territorial claims, or submission. Their monogamous pairing and repeated seasonal partnerships suggest a complex social structure, while their chicks' vulnerability to predators highlights the risks they face even within their natural habitat.
Scientific Classification
Download Picture Bird
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
