Sea gulls have long been associated with sea coasts. However, several species
have extended their ranges significantly inland, with landfills and agricultural
development being the attractions. On seacoasts and lake shores around the world,
the birds called gulls are commonly heard screaming and seen swooping over the
water. Gulls are medium to large birds, ranging in length from about 11 to 31
inches (28 to 79 centimeters).
They are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with
black markings on the head or wings and slightly hooked bill, long pointed wings,
usually short fan-shaped tail, and webbed feet; swim and feed at water surface.
Color mainly white with no brown plumage, head feathers vary seasonally from
dirty white/brown to pure white/black, and tail whitish with no dark bars.
Immature gulls often dirty white to brown. They feed food often includes crabs
and small fish. Gulls are migratory birds that spend different seasons in different
places. Many make their migration flights across the Atlantic Ocean. Sea gulls
are mainly nuisance pests around harbors, landfills, agricultural areas, and
when begging for food.
In addition, they foul residential and commercial buildings and public areas
with their smelly droppings, and they account for 50% of documented aircraft-bird
strikes. Sea gulls are worldwide in distribution, but are found mainly around
sea coasts and large inland waterway.
